Disagreements among groups at the Mimika legislature had forced the burial be postponed to tomorrow.

Human rights icon and recipient of the Yap Thiam Hien award, Mama Yosepha Alomang, said in a speech to people paying their respects at the Mimika legislative council that Kelly was not a terrorist, nor had he initiated the violence that ravaged Papua.

“Kelly Kwalik was no terrorist, criminal or provocateur,” Alomang said, blaming security forces for provoking violence in Papua.

Amungme tribal youth leader Hans Magal said funeral organizers had acquiesced to public demands.

He called on the public to practice restraint and pay their last respects to Kelly, whose remains have been lying in state at the council for the past three days. However, Kelly’s supporters continued to argue.

“I had hoped we would hold a memorial service today led by Timika bishop John Philip Saklil, after which Kelly’s body would be interred after having lain in state for three days,” he said.

Members of the public later allowed Saklir to conduct the funeral mass.

In his sermon, Saklil said Kelly had dedicated 35 years of his life living in the jungle to fight for an independent Papua.

He said Kelly fought against injustice in Papua caused by violence and discrimination against the people of an area rich in natural resources.

After the mass, hundreds of Kelly’s supporters returned to discuss funeral details.

Some of his supporters wanted the burial be carried out immediately while those who wanted it postponed began pelting rocks.

The situation became tense and officers from the Mimika Police and Mobile Brigade unit had to step up security around the council building.

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