Jayapura, Kompas 8/7-1998
JAKARTA (Media): The [number of] casualty deaths in disturbances in Biak, Jayapura, Manokwari and Sorong is still unclear. And in Wamena, yesterday, a number of people raised the West Papuan flag. The Minister of Defence and Security/Armed Forces Commander TNI General Wiranto described the raising of the flag of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) as an act of rebellion.
Several sources have stated that the number of casualties who have died after being shot by troops in disturbances in Biak on Monday last had reached a total of five people. One of them, according to information given to the AFP by a resident was a 32-year old male, Orboy, of North Biak. While another 20 are experiencing serious problems in receiving nursing care because the facilities available in Biak are limited to an elementary polyclinic.
The Commandant, Biak Military District, Col. Agus Edyono, says that he is not yet able to confirm the total number of casualties who have died. “We have some reports of casualty deaths, but at this stage we are unable to confirm these reports,” he said. According to him, before the troops acted, tolerance was shown by his side to the demonstrators, who were about 50 to 70 in number – not 700 as had previously been reported. The demonstrators raised the OPM flag on the water tower at the harbour, afterwards removing the ladder so that no one was able to take the flag down. Then the demonstrators forced community members to honour the flag and sing songs, and forced them to make contributions of money.
“We made every effort to resolve the matter by persuasion and gave them time to take the flag down. As well we asked the local clergy and community leaders to convince the demonstrators to return to their homes. After making every effort without success, the Local government [officers] and clergy left the matter in the hands of the military.” said Col. Agus Edyono.
