Indonesian activists fear Papua violence will escalate
Govt s designation of separatists as terrorists could light the touch paper that sets the restive region on fire, they say
Updated: April 30, 2021 08:41 AM GMT
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Papuan rebels are seen here in an undisclosed location. The Indonesian government has declared Papuan pro-independence groups to be terrorists. (Photo: Facebook of West Papua National Liberation Army)
Human rights activists and churchmen have voiced concerns over the impact of the Indonesian government s move to label Papuan pro-independence groups as terrorists, saying it will make peace even more difficult to achieve in the restive region.
Mohammad Mahfud MD, Indonesia’s coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, officially designated the separatist West Papua National Liberation Army and the Free Papua Movement as terrorists.