Tjahjono EP/ENI, Timika – Provincial Police has named Paulus Kiwing and Matius Magai, residents of Kwamki Baru town as suspects for raising the outlawed Kejora Star flag last Tuesday. Both are now detained at the Mimika police headquarters.

According to the Criminal Investigation Division chief, Paulus Waterpauw, they are being charged with being involved in the raising of the outlawed Kejora Star flag hoisting ceremony, which is regarded as a violation of the emergency law and show of rebellion against the government.

"Paulus Kiwing was seen to have dug the hole in which to place the flag pole, while Matius Magai is charged with offering a prayer when the flag was hoisted," Waterpauw said, adding that the police are still investigating the case but have not yet found new suspects.

The police have previously arrested 18 people allegedly involved in a similar incident last September. After an interrogation which lasted three days, the police named two suspects and released the other 16 people.

The flag, symbolizing a Papua separatist group, was raised early in the morning and remained flying for about 30 minutes. The police dragged the flag down after they received a report of the incident. When the flag was removed, no one was at the location.

The police tracked the responsible people by searching houses in the area, and detaining 18 residents including Paulus and Matius. When they were arrested, the two were found in possession of arrows, guns and other weapons, which the police held as evidence.

According to Mimika police chief, Godhelp Cornelis Mansnembra, the flag raising incident was a diversion to distract attention from the investigation into the recent bombing in Timika town.

The Papua separatist group had attacked a number of facilities at PT Freeport Indonesia such as a bridge and an electricity sub-station.