Mimika Police Arrest Rally Coordinator over Threats to Indonesia
31 May 2017 11:38 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Timika - Mimika Police in Papua have arrested a coordinator of a petition declaration and communal prayer held at the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) secretariat office after perceived threats to the unity of the Republic of Indonesia.
Mimika Police chief said that the KNPB activists had been warned against giving speeches and spreading propaganda that contravenes the national ideology but they ignored it.
“Since our warning has been ignored, we have taken harsh action by stopping their activity and confiscate various attributes and search the offices they had used to hold a wide range of actions,” Victor explained.
Victor added that the police will not allow rallies that could undermine the national unity.
Aside from arresting the coordinator, police also seized the Morning Star flag, banners and flyers, musical instruments and military outfits.
Shortly after the arrest, the KNPB and the Mimika People’s Regional Parliament (PRD) officials visited the Mimika Police station in Timika.
The Timika PRD deputy chairman Sem Asso denied that the rally featured political speech.
“There was no speech, only an announcement. Information was conveyed on a petition for international support,” Sem Asso said.
ANTARA
