Bogor – The momentum in the lead up to Indonesia’s 68th Independence Day was used by scores of Papuan students to demand freedom and self-determination for the Papuan people. These demands were conveyed during a demonstration at the Tugu Kujang intersection on Jl. Padjajaran in Bogor, West Java, on Thursday August 15.

The action managed to attract the attention of passing drivers, however after finding out the demonstrator’s demands, drivers ‘curled their lips’. “That takes the cake. In the lead up to the 17 August independence anniversary, how come they’re seeking attention so that the Papuan people can determine their own future”, sneered one driver.

Not surprisingly, the action at the intersection of Jl. Padjajaran and Jl. Otista created traffic congestion and an escort from the Bogor municipal police. During the action, they brought banners and posters with pictures of the Papuan flag.

“The government must give freedom and the right to self-determination to the Papuan people. We don’t want there to be [any more] repression”, said the demonstrators. (iwan)

[Mahasiswa Asal Papua Demo di Bogor – Pos Kota. Jumat, 16 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski.]