Papua New Guinea soldiers have reportedly claimed territory just over the border in Papua, ordering locals to lower the Indonesian flag.
An Indonesian Government border official, Suzana Wanggai, says this week 14 uniformed PNG soldiers arrived in Yakyu village in Merauke regency and ordered residents to lower the Indonesian flag.
The Jakarta Post quotes Ms Wanggai saying the soldiers claimed the village was part of PNG territory.
But she says Yakyu village was clearly in Indonesian territory because it is located in Merauke regency and the residents have held Indonesian national identity cards since last month.
Papua's Cendrawasih Miltary Command chief, Syafei Kusno, sent 10 soldiers to the village to stop the residents lowering the flag.
He says PNG has argued the village is a neutral area where both flags should be hoisted.
Suzanna Wanggai says to resolve the conflict diplomats from both countries should meet.
Indonesian soldiers guard the border with Papua New Guinea at Wutung. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
