The condition after several violent protests occurred in several cities in West Papua and Papua provinces. (Image via Al Jazeera)

Indonesia gradually restores internet access in the burning West Papua and Papua

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Politics & Economic
News Flash Indonesia
Sep 06, 2019
1754
After monitoring the situations over the recent weeks, the Indonesian Government reopened internet access for some regions in Papua and West Papua, amid numerous violent unrest and protests. Since 21 August, the Indonesian government has been imposing internet blockage across the two provinces after a violent protest against racism shown by the Police officer in Surabaya.

The Coordinating Minister of Politics, Legal, and Security, Wiranto, stated that the had fulfilled his promise to restore internet connection in the easternmost region of Indonesia.

However, for some regions such as Manokwari, Jayapura, and Deiyai, the internet connection has not yet improved. In these three regions, for instance, there had been still several violent protests. Therefore, the internet connection there is still blocked.

Wiranto said that the reopening of internet access in some regions of Papua and West Papua depends on how the situations might go in the future. Should the situation worsen once more, the Indonesian government would undoubtedly block internet access once more.

Previously, the blockage resulted in complaints from some people of the provinces, claiming that they were unable to obtain information. However, it was actually what the Indonesian government aimed which is to eradicate and to prevent any hoax or provocative articles from being spread among the people.

On Wednesday (4/9), the police force detained a high-profile lawyer and Papuan activist, Veronica Koman, for distributing provocative videos. She could be sentenced to six-year imprisonment should she be found guilty. Also, four Australians were deported to their country after being involved in the protest, which they once thought was a cultural festival.

Since the racism comment made by the police officers in Surabaya against Papuan students, the tension has been escalating once more. Especially, the Morning Star flag, a symbol that Papua wants its independence once more.

United Nations (UN) demanded the Indonesian government to hold talks with Papuan representative to discuss the resolution of the conflict and their rights, to restore internet access in Papua, and to refrain from using too much force.

Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/09/05/jakarta-restores-internet-access-in-papua-but-with-a-warning.html

Politics , National , ASEAN , Indonesia , Papua , West-Papua , Racism , Conflict