Aksi Makar Dibalut Kegiatan Ibadah, 15 Orang Di Manokawri Papua Tertangkap

Manokwari Police personnel secured 15 people in a treason that was held at the Wosi Manokwari Terminal, West Papua, Sunday (27/11/2022). (ANTARA/HANS ARNOLD KAPISA)

PAPUA - Manokwari Police have arrested 15 people suspected of being involved in treason. They were arrested when dozens of residents commemorated the anniversary of West Papua New Guinea (WPNG) at the Wosi Manokwari terminal, Papua, Sunday 27 November. Head of Manokwari Police AKBP Parasian Herman Gultom said the 15 people were secured for questioning at the Manokwari Police Headquarters. "The action was allegedly against the ideology of the Republic of Indonesia but was wrapped in worship activities, because there were shouts of independent Papuanism to the establishment of symbols that were prohibited in our country," said the Police Chief. The police chief said based on the initial examination, the 15 people were known as field coordinators, community liaison to sympathizers who attended the illicit activity. "At the time of the action, they said that their president was currently in the Netherlands. Therefore, after the examination, we will hold to determine who should be named as a suspect in accordance with Article 106 of the Criminal Code on Makar," said the Police Chief.

He explained that the action which was held at around 11.30-12.00 WIT at the Wosi terminal began with worship activities and continued with speeches to the laying of the Morning Star flag.

After the forced disbandment until the arrest of 15 people in the WPNG action at the Wosi terminal, the security situation in the Manokwari city area was under control, the Police Chief appealed to the Manokwari community not to be provoked by provocative issues, and to continue to carry out their activities as usual. "Until Sunday night the Manokwari situation is under control, the community can carry out activities as usual and is not easily provoked by various provocative issues," said the Police Chief.