According to the police, two foreigners were also among the members who had attended the inauguration ceremony led by Terrianus Sato on Saturday, August 9.
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - Jayapura Resort Police had arrested 21 members of Free National Soldiers in West Papua on Sunday, August 10, after the separatists held an inauguration ceremony in Beraf Village, Nimbokrang area of Jayapura District, Papua Province.

Deputy Chief of Papua Regional Police Brigadier General Paulus Waterpauw told ANTARA here on Monday that the members were arrested when they were crossing Warombaim village using truck.

Police revealed that there were 60 members on the truck.

According to the police, two foreigners were also among the members who had attended the inauguration ceremony led by Terrianus Sato on Saturday, August 9. Waterpauw added that the members had been raising Bintang Kejora flag during the ceremony.

"The foreigners have not yet been identified," Waterpauw said.

The deputy chief also confirmed that one person of the 21 arrested was under aged.

Waterpauw explained that a shot was heard from the separatists when local police conducted the first inspection. Thus, the police in cooperation with Jayapura Resort Police arrested 21separatists of the 60 members of the group.

Police noted that the 21 arrested separatists included 16 men, 4 women, and an underage member.

Police had also seized several evidences, including 5 bayonets, two sets of arrows and bows, 30 sets of military clothes, and a command baton.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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