12 Jun 2009

Indonesian police charge three over Papua airstrip occupation

1:17 pm on 12 June 2009

Police in Indonesia's Papua province have named and charged three men in relation to a month-long airstrip occupation by 150 armed people in Memberamo regency.

The three suspects are Nela Yenseren of Biak, Agus Silo of Kampung Kajasi Biakm and Melkianus Soromaja of Kosanoweja.

The Jakarta Post quotes the chief of the Papua Police crime unit, Bambang Rudi Pratiknyo, as saying the three had been charged for treason against the state.

Mr Bambang said Mr Nela admitted he came to the Kasepo airstrip under the orders of, and after threats from, Decky Nembiri, who allegedly deserted the Indonesian Military.

Mr Decky is reported to also be one of the leaders of Free Papua Organisation, or OPM, separatist group.

An anti-terror police unit managed to retake the isolated airstrip on Saturday.

Two members of the armed group and a civilian were killed in the raid.