The Pacific Freedom Forum has condemned the confiscation of a magazine by police in Indonesia's Papua province.

Local police have reportedly taken six copies of the new Papua Pelita magazine from the publication's head office for inspection.

The first edition has the symbol of the Free Papua Movement on its cover, which is banned in the province. But police say their actions are not an attempt to ban the magazine.

Titi Gabi, chair of the Pacific Freedom Forum, has told Radio Australia her organisation supports Indonesia's press council in criticising the move.

"We stand together with our colleagues in Indonesia condemning this," she said. "(We are) calling on the Indonesian government to use available means to voice their complaints and to allow freedom of expression."

Ms Gabi says Indonesia has very firm laws supporting freedom of speech.

"Indonesia has got to be seen to be promoting that and living by that," Ms Gabi told Radio Australia. "It's a vital right, freedom of expression and access to information, access to information and the freedom to express yourself."