A high-profile Papuan separatist leader has been released from prison after more than a decade behind bars.
Papuan pro-independence activist Filep Karma (C) asks police for a permit to hold a convoy with his supporters after being released from prison in Abepura, Papua province, on November 19, 2015. Photo: AFP
Filep Karma was freed from a prison on the outskirts of Jayapura, the capital of Indonesia's Papua province.
Karma, the most prominent of Papua's political prisoners and convicted of raising a pro-independence flag, walked free from jail on Thursday to an emotional welcome by hundreds of cheering supporters.
His release had been held up for months after he refused to admit guilt in line with demands from the Indonesian government.
In the end, authorities agreed to grant him a sentence remission for good behaviour, according to Human Rights Watch.
His spokeswoman Ruth Ogetay told the hundreds of people who gathered to welcome him, that he is in very good health.
Papuan pro-independence activist Filep Karma (inside vehicle) shakes hands with his supporters after being released from prison in Abepura, Papua province, on November 19, 2015. Photo: AFP
His release came after Indonesian President Joko Widodo pledged to improve livelihoods in the poor region, where security forces have long faced accusations of rights abuses against the local population in the name of anti-rebel operations.
A low-level insurgency has simmered for decades in Papua, where poorly armed fighters are battling against rule from Jakarta, and the region has a heavy military and police presence.
Dozens of separatists are in jail for committing treason for acts such as raising the pro-independence "Morning Star" flag and taking part in anti-government protests.
Karma, 56, was the most high-profile of the separatist detainees.
He was found guilty of treason and jailed in 2004 after raising the banned flag at a rally.
The United Nations had condemned his detention as "arbitrary", while Amnesty International had designated him a prisoner of conscience.
Mr Karma's release came after five political prisoners were freed in May at a ceremony attended by Widodo.
The president also pledged to end decades-old reporting restrictions for foreigners in Papua, although rights groups say the government continues to block access.
There are still regular flare-ups of violence in Papua, which consists of two provinces, Papua and West Papua.
Jakarta took control of the region, which forms half of the island of New Guinea, in 1963 from former colonial power the Netherlands.
Indonesia police officer (L) stands guard as Papuan pro-independence activist Filep Karma's supporters hold a rally outside prison in Abepura, Papua province, on November 19, 2015 to welcome their leader's freedom Photo: AFP