West Papua Media and local sources – Confirmed reports have emerged from Fak-Fak, on the west coast of West Papua, that at least ten demonstrators were arrested by Indonesian police on March 1.

The demonstrations were being held to reject a new body – U4PB (or Program to Accelerate Development of Papua and West Papua) – appointed by Indonesia to re-implement the failed Special Autonomy package that was to give Papuans a greater share of their own wealth. Regular protests from Papuan civil society have rejected this new body due to its refusal to consider Papuan demands, and recognise the failure of the existing package.

Those arrested were identified as the following:

1. Siswanto Tigtigweria
2. Lukas Hegemur
3. Quartus Ndoratndorat
4. Modestus Komber
5. Yeheskal Hegemur
6. Nikson Hindom
7. Pazco Hindom
8. Samuel Rohrohmana
9. Amos Wagab
10. Renol Hegemur

The protest was also held to support the February 28 launch in Canberra, Australia, of a new regional chapter of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua. This meeting attracted Members of Parliament from Vanuatu, New Zealand, and several parties in Australia, including MPs from the Australian Government. Demonstrations in support of IPWP were held across ten centres in West Papua.

Neither Police or local human rights sources have been able to identity the exact nature of charges against the ten detainees. However Indonesian police historically have laid Makar (Treason) charges against Papuans attending demonstrations in support of the right of self-determination.

West Papua Media was unsuccessful in seeking comment from Police.