SURABAYA, Indonesia — About 300 West Papuan demonstrators calling for independence for the restive Indonesian region faced off with counterprotesters Saturday in the country’s second-largest city. The demonstrators in Surabaya chanted “Freedom Papua” and held banners demanding a referendum for independence to mark Dec. 1, which many West Papuans consider the anniversary of what they say should have been their independence. “You may rally to voice your aspiration, but don’t bring the separatist issue,” said a speaker from the rival group. The Free Papua Movement, a separatist group in Indonesia’s restive Papua province, declared independence from Dutch rule on Dec. 1, 1961. A small, poorly armed separatist group has been battling for independence since then.

Source: National Post December 01, 2018 08:01 UTC