26 Oct 2015

Jakarta wants PNG to extradite two rebels

11:01 am on 26 October 2015

Indonesia has asked Papua New Guinea to deport two West Papuan independence rebels accused of holding hostage two Indonesians in PNG territory last month.

West Sepik deputy administrator Conrad Tilau says Indonesian authorities relayed their request to the PNG government during last week's annual border liaison meeting in the Papuan capital, Jayapura.

The newspaper, The National, reports that the two OPM rebels are being held in police custody in border town of Vanimo charged with illegally entering and residing in PNG.

Mr Tilau says Indonesia wants the two deported to be tried under Indonesian law

Cross border flow between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Cross border flow between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades