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Pro-government protesters demand disbandment of Free West Papua Organization KNPB
Jakarta Globe - June 3, 2016
The protesters – who called themselves Defenders of the Indonesian Republic and numbered around 15,000 – marched to the local parliament house on Thursday.
"There should be no "December 1," [the anniversary of the Free Papua Movement, or OPM] there is only "May 1," the day of our integration [with Indonesia]. We should unite to develop West Papua. We don't want KNPB here," Umar, the deputy chairman of the organization, said.
The organization also called on the British government to arrest UK-based West Papua freedom activist Benny Wenda and extradite him to Indonesia. Umar claimed his group was sincere in its intention. "There is no ulterior motive [behind the protest]. We are here because we care about West Papua," Umar said.
Vendors at the Yotefa Market – the city's main trading spot – had closed up shops earlier in the day after receiving letters and flyers about the rally.
Although the market itself was open, only a few people were seen conducting their business as normal. "Not only the sellers, but the buyers also didn't turn up today," said Marten Sremsrem, a security officer.
In the flyers, the pro-government group called on all Indonesians to rally in support of the government, saying "Let us take a moment to help create a better economic climate in the long run. Let us honor our brothers. Voice your support for the Republic of Indonesia."
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