Indonesian police have forcibly dispersed hundreds of West Papuan university students holding a demonstration in Jayapura.
Indonesian police stop a protest by West Papuan students at Cenderawasih University in Jayapura, 28 September 2020. Photo: Supplied
The students were peacefully protesting against the extension of special autonomy status in the Indonesian-ruled propvinces of Papua
The demonstration at the Cenderawasih University was broken up by dozens of armed police, as shots were heard being fired, sending panicked students fleeing.
Students were sent fleeing after police officers fired warning shots with what a police spokesman told RNZ Pacific were blank rounds. Áccording to the spokesman there were no arrests made.
The student rally was the latest in a series of demonstrations against special autonomy around cities in Papua and elsewhere in Indonesia.
Reports from the region last week said hundreds of demonstrators were arrested at different locations across Nabire regency.
A spokesperson for Indonesia's government said that in order to curb the spread of Covid-19 strict health protocols were being applied across the country.
This included restrictions on gatherings to a maximum of 50 people.