Jakarta – West Papua Students in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Forum SeTARA criticized the killing of Papuans marking the 50th anniversary of the transfer of West New Guinea (now Papua)'s administration from the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) to Indonesia on May 1, 1963.

"We condemn the brutal act of the Indonesian security services against Papuan civilians who joined the commemoration in several cities," said a statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

They urged authorities to pursue those responsible, including the police chief, Army commander, and governor, as well as demanding apologies and compensation for victims' families.

"The National Commission on Human Rights should investigate the incident and make its results public," the statement read.

A joint police-military operation, endorsed by the Papua governor, had banned commemoration of the transfer of administration.

Different interpretations surround the transfer of Papua from the Dutch to UNTEA and later to Indonesia under the 1962 New York Agreement. "These different interpretations must be resolved through dialogue, not through violence," the statement said. (ebf)