Antara, Jakarta – Two members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) in Timika, Papua, have reportedly been arrested by local police over alleged slanders the two made in a recent Facebook post.

"One of the arrested is the KPB spokesperson," said Mimika Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. I Gusti Gde Era Adhinata in Timika, May 29.

The Facebook account identified as 'Wendanax Nggembu' alleged Papua Police Chief Paulus Waterpauw was the culprit behind the killing of two Papuan students in Timika along with two other medics working in the Homeo District's health community center (puskesmas).

The two activists were nabbed in the Kuala Kencana Districts. According to police reports, the KNPB spokesperson had to be shot in the leg for allegedly resisting arrest. Both arrestees will face charges related to violations against the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE).

Following the arrests, the Mimika Police Chief reminded locals to be cautious and thoughtful before making social media posts. He also urged people to post information that was accurate and not in the realm of slander against other people and institutions.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1347542/west-papuan-activists-arrested-for-slander-against-police-chief