Jakarta – There were no sightings of the Morning Star separatist flag on Saturday in Timika, Papua, on the 50th anniversary of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), which is marked on Dec. 1, despite rumors of the flag being raised in various spots in the city.

At least 700 security personnel, comprising military and police personnel, were deployed on Friday afternoon to safeguard the city over the weekend. They patrolled the city at night and monitored US mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia's security post at checkpoint 28 on Saturday morning.

Mimika Police chief Adj. sr. Comr. Jeremias Routini said on Friday afternoon that there were no indications of suspicious activities that could disrupt security.

"Intelligence reports indicated that there were no threatening activities. We have also warned public figures to tone down the commemoration of the day," Jeremias said as quoted by tempo.co.

The police will also intensify security measures on Dec. 14 – marked as Militia Day – and on Dec. 16 – the anniversary of the death of prominent OPM figure Kelly Kwalik. (swd)