Jakarta – The Jayapura-based offices of the Irian Jaya chapter of the Independent Journalists Alliance (AJI) were attacked and damaged by an unknown person or group on Sunday, a report said.

"The attackers smashed the office's ten glass windows with stones," chapter chairman Fritz Ramandey was quoted by Antara as saying.

Ramandey said he still had no idea of the motives behind the attack but two policemen from the South Jayapura police precinct said the perpetrators might be drunks.

Ramandey called on the locals to protect journalists and their organizations from all forms of intimidation because they worked to promote democracy and justice in the province. Local police officers continue to investigate but have so far made no arrests.