10 Sep 2013

Defying warning, Australian activists bound for Papua

8:07 pm on 10 September 2013

A boat with Australian activists campaigning against Indonesian human rights abuses has left Queensland for Papua.

The boat, the Pog, which is reportedly carrying six people, is all that remains of the so-called West Papua Freedom Flotilla which consisted of three boats until two of the vessels broke down.

The Pog is expected to be intercepted by Indonesian forces as Jakarta hasn't cleared the voyage.

Australia's outgoing foreign minister has said it feels it has no obligation towards the group, which could be jailed in Indonesia for five years.

However, the foreign ministry says the group can expect normal consular services if there are arrests.

In Papua region, there have been meetings in support of the voyage, with police detaining several people in response.