Jayapura, 16/1 (Jubi) – A delegation of Foreign Ministers of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) visiting the troubled province of Papua were met and escorted under heavy guard by the Joint Indonesian Military (TNI) and Indonesian Police (POLRI).
Even peaceful demonstrations were banned by the Police. Around 46 indigenous Papuan activists were arrested in Jayapura for attempting to demonstrate, including well known figures Markus Haluk and Yusak Pakage. All are believed to have been released.
The MSG delegation’s visit is in response to an invitation from Indonesia in mid 2013 prompted by the MSG 19th Summit’s consideration of an application for membership by Papua in June 2013.
An application which caused significant debate within the Summit at the time and since and which has seen ceaseless efforts during the last 6 months by Indonesia to undermine the application.
