TEMPO.CO, Jayapura - After just days of the distribution of its first edition, Pelita Papua magazine encountered problems with the police last Wednesday for portraying the symbol of the Free Papua Movement on its cover.
Previously, 2,000 copies of the 64-page edition were already been distributed. Fidelis Jeminta, chief editor of Pelita Papua in Jayapura, said this case would restrict freedom of the press in Papua again.
"We feel we are being treated unjustly. Out there, many media outlets show pictures of the Bintang Kejora (symbol of the movement) but are not examined by the police," he said.
The Pelita Papua magazine office is located in the Merauke district and has a permit issued by the Merauke district. The first edition of the magazine covers the issue of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) office in England. There is also an article about the opinions of some figures regarding the movement.
"It’s normal, nothing big. We are disappointed at the police’s random prohibition," said Fidelis.
Papua Police Chief Sr. Comr. I Gede Sumerta Jaya said that published material about Papua’s freedom or anything that can incite violence is prohibited. He denied allegations that the police revoked the magazine’s license.
JERRY OMONA
