Jayapura, Papua – At least 300 members of the Biak Traditional Council (DAB) protested Thursday outside the Biak Numfor regency legislative council, demanding the government review its decision to permit the launch of a Russian satellite from the area in 2010.

"The agreement on the Russian satellite launch, which was signed in Jakarta last month, was unlawful because it failed to involve the Biak traditional community in the talks that led to the agreement," protest coordinator and DAB chairman Piter Yarangga said.

He said a DAB plenary meeting held earlier in the day recommended the central government review the agreement, which it said would have an impact on the local community's customary rights.