December 3, 2024
jakarta – Clashes broke out during a Free West Papua rally in Jl. Kusumanegara in Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta City, after protesters tried to raise the Morning Star flag (Bintang Kejora) on Sunday night.
The protest, which began in the afternoon, was initially peaceful and aimed at drawing attention to the situation in Papua province.
Demonstrators began to disperse shortly after the incident and headed east toward the Kusumanegara intersection. Azan (call to prayer) for maghreb (Dusk) Prayer.
However, clashes suddenly broke out between protesters and police, shocking nearby locals.
Yogyakarta police chief Sr. Comr. Aditya Surya Dharma said the unrest began when a protester was arrested while trying to raise the Bintang Kejora flag.
“Someone tried to raise the Bintang Kejora flag. That’s what we were trying to ensure, but they immediately attacked us,” Aditya said, according to reports Forum News Network.
The police also appealed to the public to remain calm and not to be angered by rumors circulating on social media.
Due to the conflict, residents near Jl. Kusumanegara immediately closed the entrances and exits to their community. They also stood guard in the alley to warn drivers heading towards Jl. Kusumangala turned around.
Some street lights were also turned off by police.
The Bintang Kejora flag has been the main symbol of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) since the 1970s. OPM’s use of the banned Bintang Kejora flag has sparked controversy and shame in Indonesia.
OPM was established on December 1, 1961.
However, Andi Muttaqien, deputy director of advocacy at human rights advocacy group ELSAM, said raising the Bintang Kejora flag could not yet be considered an act of treason as he believed the flag was part of the culture of the Papuan people.
“The Bintang Kejora flag is a symbol that has become part of the culture of the Papuan people. Protests using the Bintang Kejora flag are a cultural expression and therefore cannot be considered an act of treason. Luopan.com.
The conflict between the protesters and the police did not last long and gradually eased. The protesters then entered the dormitory and police tried to negotiate with them to maintain order.
Police relaxed security measures at the scene of the clashes to allow residents to carry out their activities comfortably.
Aditya also stressed the importance of maintaining a calm atmosphere so that people can travel safely.
