Jakarta (Antara) – The government has gradually recovered the internet data restriction in Papua and West Papua starting Wednesday, September 4, at 23:00 Eastern Indonesian Time (WIT).

The decision is made after coordination with law enforcement institutions and security officers, as well as in consideration of conditions in several regencies of the province.

In a written statement on Wednesday, September 4, Communication and Informatics Ministry (Kominfo) said the internet blocking policy has been lifted in 19 regencies, viz. Keerom, Puncak Jaya, Puncak, Asmat, Boven Digoel, Mamberamo Raya, Mamberamo Tengah, Intan Jaya, Yalimo, Lanny Jaya, Mappi, Tolikara, Nduga, Supiori, Waropen, Merauke, Biak, Yapen, and Sarmi.

Other ten regencies, namely Mimika, Paniai, Deiyai, Dogiyai, Jayawijaya, Pegunungan Bintang, Numfor, Kota Jayapura, Yahukimo, and Nabire, are still being monitored for the next one to two days.

The government has also restored the internet network in ten regencies of West Papua. They are Fakfak, South Sorong, Raja Ampat, Bintuni Bay, Wondama Bay, Kaimana, Tambrauw, Maybrat, South Manokwari, and Pegunungan Arfak.

As for Sorong city, Sorong regency, and Manokwari city, the access there is still restricted, and the monitoring will be resumed for a few days ahead.

"The access recovery is also in regards to the spreading of hoax information, false news, hate speech, incitement, and provocation related to Papua issue which is decreasing," said Kominfo.

The government further called on the public to not distribute such negative contents as those via any media, including social media. Therefore, the process of network restoration can be done quickly in all areas of Papua and West Papua.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1243980/govt-restores-internet-network-in-papua-gradually