Anti-racism slogans reverberate across Mimika

Rabu, 21 Agustus 2019 13:35 WIB

Timika, Papua (ANTARA) - Several hundred people took to the streets in Timika, Mimika District of Papua Province, on Wednesday, brandishing banners and expressing their objection to racism following the recent incident against Papuan students in Malang, East Java.

The protesters, who began their march from various areas, congregated at the front yard of the Mimika parliament building located on Cendrawasih Street in Timika City.

The demonstrators held banners that read "Kami Papua Cinta Damai," or Papuans Love Peace, while vociferously protesting against the incident.

The rally’s coordinator has appealed to protesters to steer clear from any form of anarchy and ensure that the protest is held in a peaceful manner.

Mimika Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Agung Marlianto has also appealed to protesters to maintain peace while echoing their aspirations in public spaces.

"I called on the people to maintain public order while conveying their aspirations and exercise restraint in engaging in any actions that could spark public anxiety," Marlianto stated.

The demonstrators were yet waiting to meet the speaker of the local parliament, who had planned to meet them at the parliament building.

Schools in Mimika were shut down on account of the rally.