Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi here, Tuesday, made assurance of normal air transportation in Papua and West Papua despite few rallies over racial abuse and violence against Papuan students erupting there over the past week.

"No disturbances were detected in Jayapura despite the incidents. All takeoff and landing operations were in accordance with the schedules," Sumadi stated in Jakarta after meeting with Coordinating Minister of Politics, Law, and Security Wiranto at his office.

However, the minister affirmed that the Indonesian government had continued to place a limit on direct flight access from overseas to the provinces of Papua and West Papua. Before the incidents took place, he noted that only few direct flight schedules were available at the airport in Jayapura, Papua.

Sumadi stated that the ministry had not yet planned to further restrict direct flight access from abroad to Papua.

"We will speak to the Immigration Office soon," Sumadi stated.

Following several violent demonstrations in Sorong, West Papua, the Immigration Office had deported four Australian citizens for their alleged involvement in supporting treason in the province.

The four Australian citizens deported were Baxter Tom (37), Davidson Cheryl Melinda (36), Hellyer Danielle Joy (31), and Cobbold Ruth Irene (25).

The Immigration Office's spokesman, Sam Fernando, stated that the Australian nationals were deported through the Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong City.

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Translator: Zuhdiar Laeis/Genta Tenri Mawa
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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