ELITE riot units have been deployed in Sorong, West Papua, as riots broke out on the streets when four freedom fighters were prosecuted by authorities.
Antara News reports that 100 Brimob (Mobile Brigade Corps) officers reinforced local police units to prevent further unrest.
Rioting broke out when authorities transferred four alleged members of the West Papua National Federal Republic (NFRPB) from Sorong to Makassar, South Sulawesi Province.
“This is a preventive step to maintain public order and safety,” said West Papua Brimob Commander Senior Commissioner Edison Ludi Bard Sitanggang, who described the deployment as a strategic move to stabilize the city.
But West Papuan freedom movement supporters said police had started to round up people considered to be dissidents or anti-Indonesian. Meanwhile, Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu urged residents to help restore peace following the unrest, which included attacks on public facilities and his official residence.
“This criminal act disrupted economic activities, schoolchildren, and health workers. Families must urge their children to stop this violence,” Kambu stated.
Protesters reportedly damaged the Sorong mayor’s office, the governor’s office, and Kambu’s residence.
Police confirmed that 10 alleged rioters have been arrested. Despite the chaos, government services in Sorong remain operational.