Jayapura – The Papua Police have strengthened security ahead of the Free Papua movement's (OPM) anniversary, which falls on July 1 but is often celebrated on Dec. 1.

Papua Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. I Gede Sumerta said Friday that police would deploy two-thirds of the officers stationed in Papua to "anticipate the activity of pro-Papua liberation supporters".

Sumerta was quoted by Antara as saying that the Papua police had sought the help of around 100 Brimob officers. Sumerta said that the police would allow mass prayers but would not tolerate any Bintang Kejora (Morning Star) flag-raising. The flag is illegal and involvement in flag-raising ceremonies is a crime.

December last year, four people were arrested in connection with a flag-raising ceremony in Timika. Other Papuans chose to gather for mass prayers in Sentani, Jayapura to observe the 50th anniversary of what they called the freedom of Papua.

Clashes occurred in other parts of the region prior to and during the celebrations. (lfr)