West Papuan students petitioning the Indonesian government against Special Autonomy plans have come up against police blockades in the city of Manado.
Photo: 123RF
A large public demonstration launched by the students was forcibly broken up by police in the province of North Sulawesi.
The students petitioned against government plans for Special Autonomy status of the Papuan provinces which is up for renewal next year.
Suara Papua reported the students were also demanding self-determination for West Papuans.
A spokesperson for the Papua Student Association in North Sulawesi said he was concerned about police action because the students had previously sent letters to authorities notifying them of their plans.
John Jankgup said police blockaded roads around the Papuan students and even harassed students who simply want to access their dormitories.