3 Sep 2015

Filep Karma still in jail, says Papua prison head

3:54 pm on 3 September 2015

The head of Indonesia's Abepura Prison, says that Papuan activist Filep Karma is still in jail.

West Papuan independence activist Filep Karma.

West Papuan independence activist Filep Karma. Photo: Eben Kirksey

Despite recent reports that Karma's early release was imminent, Bagus Kurniawan told Tabloid Jubi that he remains in the Papua jail.

Karma has served two thirds of a 15-year jail term for treason after he raised the banned Papuan Morning Star flag in 2004.

Last month, he rejected an offer of remission on Indonesia's Independence Day, saying he would only accept unconditional release.

The Political, Law and Security Minister, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan subsequently said he guaranteed Karma's security and freedom of speech once he left prison.

However Mr Kurniawan says the prison has not received any decree from Jakarta to the effect of releasing Karma.