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Five people suspected of conducting separatist activities
Jakarta Post - April 16, 2015
The five people identified only with their initials are EA, the self-declared West Papua Federal Republic Police chief, MJS, the Sentani-chapter Papua Task Force commander and Papuan Independence Committee (KIP) secretary, DF, the KIP spokesperson, LM, the KIP chairman, and OB, the spokesperson of the so-called West Papua Federal Republic (NFRPB).
"After conducting a case presentation, police investigators concluded that activities conducted by the five people had met elements of separatism," Papua Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Rudolf Patrick said in Jayapura on Thursday.
He said the police's conclusion was supported by evidence that includes NFRPB Police documents and papers from a meeting between KIP officials and the Indonesian defense minister.
The meeting was reported as a follow-up of negotiation offers between the Indonesian government and the NFRPB administration. The KIP was reportedly established by NFRPB president Forkorus Yoboisembut.
Rudolf said if proven guilty the five people could each face minimum sentences of 20 years in prison. "Our country is the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and there is no other. However, these five people were conducting activities on behalf the NFRPB," he said.
Rudolf said the police arrested the five people at the Theys Hiyo Eluay hall in Sentani, on Tuesday, shortly after they arrived from Jakarta. They were scheduled to hold a press conference about their visit to Jakarta, but Jayapura Police officers detained them before it took place.
The NFRPB was declared on Oct. 19, 2011, during the third Papuan People's Congress (KRP) at Zakheus Square in Abepura, Papua. The congress elected Forkorus as NFRPB president and Edison Waromi as prime minister.
The KRP ended with a riot that killed six people. At least 51 people allegedly involved in the riot were taken into custody by the Papua Police. Security authorities dissolved the congress, saying that it was aimed to declare the independence of Papua from Indonesia. The KIP was assigned to carry out negotiations with the government.
Eni Tan, one of the members of the delegation to Jakarta, said KIP officials met with Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu on April 10. The five people are currently detained at the Papua Police headquarters. (ebf)
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