Papuan Students Wave Kejora Flag in Today's Rally in Jakarta
Translator
Dewi Elvia Muthiariny
Editor
Laila Afifa
Rabu, 28 Agustus 2019 19:53 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dozens of people and Papuan students staged a demonstration in front of the building of Home Affairs Ministry in Central Jakarta, Wednesday, August 28, in response to the acts of racism against their fellows in Surabaya.
The rally was held by the Commission of the Anti-Racism, Capitalism, Colonialism, and Militarism Student on Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat at 12:30 local time. Several participants donned typical Papuan clothes such as tassel skirts and brought woven bag or noken.
The crowd waved three flags of Bintang Kejora (Morning Star), the symbol of the Free Papua Movement. Several of them also painted their faces with red, blue, and white, the flag’s color. They also raised banners bearing various words.
“Stop racism. Papuan people are not monkeys,” as displayed from one of the banners hoisted among the crowd today.
The rally coordinator Ambrosius demanded government respect Papuan people. “Apology is not enough. We are human, and our dignity must be honored. We are a sovereign country that must be respected,” he said.
Today’s demonstration was reportedly triggered by the mass siege in Papuan student’s dormitory in Surabaya. At that time, TNI personnel allegedly shouted racist slurs toward the students.
LANI DIANA WIJAYA
