Hundreds rally to demand referendum in Papua

Long march: Dozens of people from various groups march to the Papua legislative council in Jayapura to demand revocation of special autonomy for the province. The protesters called for a referendum on Thursday, saying the special autonomy was a failure. – Antara/Anang Budiono

Hundreds of people gathered outside Abepura postal office in the Papua capital of Jayapura on Thursday morning for a rally to demand a referendum in the province.

They said they were waiting for their friends who would join the demonstration to be held outside the provincial legislative council, kompas.com reported.

Clad in traditional costumes, some of the protesters unfurled a banner, which read: “Special autonomy fails, ask for referendum.”

Shops and office buildings nearby were closed as police were seen standing on guard to prevent possible security threats.