Reports from Indonesia indicate an increased security forces presence in urban centres of Papua region in anticipation of Flag Day ceremonies.
The Morning Star flag was first raised on the 1st of December in 1961 but was later banned by Jakarta after it assumed control of the former Dutch territory.
However every year West Papuans and supporters of West Papuan self-determination rights hold ceremonies to raise the Morning Star both in and outside of Papua.
In the West Papua city of Sorong, some five hundred members of the military forces descended on Aimas district yesterday.
The West Papua National Committee says the heavily-equipped military personnel surrounded and intimidated local residents, giving an effective warning against raising the Morning Star Flag.
