Egi Adyatama, Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Politics, Legal, and Security Affairs, Wiranto, asserted that the raising of Bintang Kejora or the morning star flag in Indonesia is forbidden.

"That's illegal for sure, so it should not be hoisted as a national flag," said Wiranto during a press conference in his office, Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, September 3.

In the last two weeks, the morning star flag was seen during demonstration acts in Papua. The fourth Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid alias Gus Dur considered the flag as the province's cultural symbol.

Meanwhile, many recognized the flag as a symbol of West Papuan independence. The Coordinating Minister claimed to have discussed the flag with Papuan figures, including former transportation minister Freddy Numberi.

"Pak Freddy Numberi finds Dutch literature in Google that the morning star is a cultural flag," he said.

However, he insisted the flag-raising is illegal in the country, and the referendum issue is prohibited to be discussed in every dialogue between Papuan and the government.

"We are closing chances of discussion on the referendum. No dialogue about their independence, but problems that must be resolved, such as the living in Papua, West Papua," said the former commander of the Indonesian Military.

A wave of massive protests in the easternmost region of Indonesia emerged following the racist and discriminatory acts against Papuan students in Surabaya and Malang. The mass also demanded a referendum, raising Bintang Kejora flag during several rallies.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1243512/wiranto-asserts-bintang-kejora-flag-raising-is-illegal