Thousands of demonstrators from the West Papua National Committee (Komite Nasional Papua Barat, KNPB) again demanded that a Referendum be held in Papua. Demonstrators carried a number of smaller banners, and two large ones. The masses planned to bring their demands to the Papuan office of the House of Representatives in Jayapura, Monday (2/5).

From JUBI's observations, the masses of KNPB demonstrators continually shouted cries of 'Independence for Papua (Papua Merdeka).' The masses also communicated that they judged the Act of Free Choice (penentuan pedapat rakyat, or 'Pepera') which took place on 1 May 1963 to have been illegal.

Mako Tabuni, the leader of the demonstration, said that the action took place under the theme of 'National Action of the People of West Papua.' According to Mako, this time, the demo was no ordinary demo. On the contrary, this demo had the potential to open up the process of dealing with the West Papua issue in the international arena.

He added that the action also gave weight to moves to mount a legal challenge to the Papuan situation, supporting 62 lawyers who plan to challenge the Act of Free Choice in the International Court. "This action gives weight to legal actions. This is no ordinary action." said Mako, whilst giving a political speech from a pick-up truck which was being used as a command vehicle by the masses.

The masses gathered at four points around Abepura: in front of the Cenderawasih University Campus; at Padang Bulan in Abepura, at the taxi terminus at Waena III public housing block, and at the Ekspo Waena public housing block. Other demonstrators came from Sentani, Jayapura regency, Papua.

The masses arrived carrying two large banners. One of the banners bore the slogan "The people of West Papua support IPWP and ILWP." They also brought a number of smaller banners bearing writing and pictures about the struggle which took place during the Act of Free Choice. In addition, the masses also carried banners bearing pictures of the Morning Star flag. One large banner was painted with a number of countries which are said to support Papua. The masses planned to set off from Abepura, heading towards the Jayapura-based Papuan office of the House of Representatives. (Musa Abubar)