Indonesia: Violent protests reported in Papua and West Papua August 21 /update 2

Protests turn violent in Papua and West Papua provinces August 21; further protests and related violence expected
Read all related news alert(s):
Indonesia: Further violence reported in Papua October 25 /update 12
Indonesia: Normal flight operations to resume at Wamena airport (WMX) /update 11
Indonesia: At least 20 killed during protests in Papua September 23 /update 10
Indonesia: Violent protests reported in Papua September 23 /update 9
Indonesia: Internet access partly restored in Papua and West Papua provinces September 4 /update 8
Indonesia: Police ban protests and deploy additional troops to Papua September 2 /update 7
Indonesia: Violent protests reported in Jayapura (Papua) August 29 /update 6
Indonesia: Six people reportedly killed in Papua amid protests August 28 /update 5
Indonesia: Further demonstrations expected in West Papua August 26 /update 4
Indonesia: Government deploys police and cuts internet communication in West Papua August 22 /update 3
Indonesia: Over 250 prisoners escape during protests in West Papua Aug. 19 /update 1
Event
Violent protests were reported in West Papua and Papua provinces on Wednesday, August 21. In Fakfak (West Papua), police used tear gas to disperse crowd after protesters burnt parts of a market and an official building while blocking roads leading to Fakfak Airport (FKQ). In Timika (Papua), protesters reportedly threw rocks at the parliament building, houses, shops, and a hotel.
While the situation is reportedly contained in both provinces, further such protests are to be expected in Papua and West Papua over the coming days and weeks, amid a heavy police presence. Transportation and business disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites.
Context
The protests come after security forces stormed a university dormitory in Surabaya on August 17, rounding up 43 students accused of desecrating the Indonesian flag. The students, who were reportedly subjected to racial abuse, were released from custody on August 18. Similar protests were held across West Papua on August 19 and August 20, as thousands of people took the streets to denounce the events. Protesters reportedly set fire to the local parliament building on August 19, before being dispersed by police officers. Related demonstrations were reported in Manokwari, Sorong, Jayapura, and other cities in the province.
Advice
Individuals in Indonesia are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling to Papua and West Papua, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. travel permits) and their home governments, and avoid all public demonstrations.
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