Pacific / West Papua

More protests in Papuan regencies

17:44 pm on 26 August 2019

West Papuans continue to mobilise to protest against racism, with rallies being held today in several regencies of Papua.

West Papuans protest against racism in Wamena, August 2019. Photo: Supplied

Large protests kicked off in the Indonesia-ruled region last week in response to harassment of Papuan students in Javanese cities.

Despite an internet blackout enforced by Indonesia's government in much of Papua, people are mobilising today in regencies including Nabire, Dogiyai and Yahukimo.

A large demonstration has also been held in the Highlands city of Wamena.

While dozens of protests took place last week, several turned violent.

Indonesia has deployed a thousand extra military and police personnel to Papua in response to the mobilisations.