TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The demonstration in front of the Presidential State Palace caught the public’s attention after a banned separatist flag known as the Bintang Kejora (Morning Star) flag was hoisted throughout the rally. The police eventually detained several people over allegations of treason.

Metro Jaya Police Spokesman Grand Commissioner Argo Yuwono announced Paulus Surya Anta Ginting as the initiator of the demonstration in front of the Presidential State Palace on August 28 by a pro-West Papua group.

“[Paulus Surya] is the person who led the group’s activities. He held three meetings prior to the rally. Plans were prepared [by him],” said Argo at the police headquarters today, September 4.

The police Spokesman announced that Paulus Surya Anta Ginting was arrested at one of Jakarta’s malls on August 31, as he is also believed to be the narrator behind each of the group’s demonstrations.

“[He] acts as the bridge with foreign media in promoting issues regarding Papua’s independence and referendum,” said Grand Commissioner Argo Yuwono.

Other than Surya, police also arrested other people linked to the pro-West Papua demonstration such as Anes Tabuni, Charles Kossay, Ambrosius Mulait, Isay Wenda and Erina Elopere or Wenebita Gwijangge. The five of them are suspected of taking significant roles in the demonstration, which saw one of them hoist the Bintang Kejora flag.

M YUSUF MANURUNG