Media statement-West Papuan graduation students attacked by Indonesian security forces simply because they carried their national flag

Australia West Papua Association (Sydney) 

Statement 7 May 2026

West Papuan graduation students attacked by Indonesian security forces simply because they carried their national flag

On the 5 May, students held a  parade to celebrate their  school graduation in Kobakma town  in the Central Mamberamo Regency of West Papua.  

 

Seven students were reported injured after the Indonesian security forces fired shots and tear gas to disperse the students after the situation escalated when the security forces tried to stop the celebration.

 

    

(Photos Human Rights Monitor)

Joe Collins of AWPA said, “because the students were carrying their national flag, the Morning Star and also had the symbol spray painted on their school uniforms, which is a common practice with students graduating in West Papua, the police tried to  block the parade when it approached near the local police station around 11am”.

 

The students scuffled with the police leading to an escalation in the situation.  Local residents also objected  to the police intervention  which further heightened tensions. The situation deteriorated  with some students throwing stones at the police. 

 

The police responded by firing shots and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Human Rights Monitor reported that seven Papuans were injured by  bullets and one police officer sustained injuries. 

                                                       Human Rights Monitor

Joe Collins said, "again we have the usual heavy handed approach to a peaceful celebration by students all because they were carrying their national flag , a symbol of great importance to the West Papuan people". 

AWPA understands that the conflict in West Papua presents a challenge to Australian foreign policy. 

 Canberra talks a lot about regional stability,  but the ongoing conflict in West Papua is the one issue that can cause the very instability  that Canberra fears.  If Canberra thinks that by ignoring  the issue it  will disappear,  it should remember that the  West Papuan people are not going to give up their fight for self-determination. 

Ends

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