Papua Police on Alert Ahead of Separatist Movement's Anniversary

Jayapura, Papua province (Antara) - The police in Papua province are on high alert prior to the anniversary for the local separatist movement Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM) on December 1. The anniversary of the Papua separatist movement is often considered as high tension moment in the province because of numerous firearms incidents perpetrated by unknown people. On Sunday, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Tito Karnavian said he had instructed all police personnel in the districts in Papua to be more alert and maintain close contact with local religious figures and civilians. The local police will also conduct more security patrols, especially in areas prone to firearms shootings, such as Puncak Jaya, Lanny Jaya, Jayawijaya, Mamberamo Raya, Sarmi, Jayapura, Serui and Keerom. "We hope there are no serious incidents this year," Karnavian said. (*)