They will work to stabilize the security situation after the incidents while investigating the cases,"Jakarta (ANTARA News) - National Police Chief Gen. Timur Pradopo said police were ready to maintain security and guard a planned rally in Papua so that it would not develop into anarchic actions.
"We are taking steps to ensure that things will run peacefully. All processes and demonstrations will be directed based on regulations," the police chief said at the Presidential Office here on Tuesday.
Timur said that police would cooperate with the military to carry out pacification of the rallies. But he did not mention the number of police and military personal who were alerted at the locations.
He said that police now were also investigating the communal clashes in Puncak Jaya and the shooting incident in Abepura, Papua.
"I think a number of units from the Police Headquarters and military personnel are already at the locations. They will work to stabilize the security situation after the incidents while investigating the cases," he said.
Thousands of people grouped in the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) were in the morning gathering in the Expo area of Wamena, Abepura. They were planning to visit the Regional Legislative Assembly (DPRD) building in Papua to hold a rally and deliver their demand.
The demonstrators who are led by the KNPB chairman, Mako Tabuni, carried banners which among others read "We Want Referendum."
As a result of the gathering, most of shopping complexes in Abepura, Jaya Pura, were closed to anticipate undesired happenings.
Police personnel with anti-riot attributes were seen standing guard in certain corners.
It caused traffic jams, particularly in the Abepura - Sentani sections which connected the area with Sentani airport.
Until middy, the demonstrators were still gathering and waiting for their colleagues who would arrive from Sentani, Jayapura district and Keerom district.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
