Jayapura – The police apprehended 15 activists from the West Papua National Committee protesting outside Waena Expo complex in Jayapura on Monday.

Deputy chief of Jayapura Police, Adj. Comr. Amazona Pelamonia, said the protesters had requested a permit to stage a protest related to US President Barack Obama's visit but their speeches had called for a referendum instead.

"Since (Obama's) visit has been postponed, the protest is no longer relevant. Besides their speeches call for referendum, so it's a totally different agenda," he said.

"Although they have a permit, their protest disrupts public order so we have to break it up."