Banned Papua flag raised near Indonesian ship in NZ

A group demonstrating in front of an Indonesian naval ship in Auckland raised the Morning Star flag in support of West Papuans.

Indonesia’s KRI Banda Aceh is one of numerous warships from other countries currently in New Zealand participating in the New Zealand Navy’s 75th birthday celebration.

The demonstration against Indonesian military involvement in West Papua was held by the solidarity groups Oceania Interrupted and West Papua Action Auckland.

Oceania Interrupted spokesperson Leilani Salesa says the demonstrators made sure their presence was felt.

She says they stood next to the naval ship holding the Papuan Morning Star flag which is banned in Indonesia.

“And to do an act that we know brothers and sister in West Papua would be punished for was a really powerful for us and it sends a very powerful message that the world is watching and we stand in opposition to the atrocities that they continue to commit.”

Raising the West Papuan flag is a crime in Indonesia punishable with years in prison.