Last year, there were 160 West Papuans studying in New Zealand.

In August a long-simmering discontent exploded into a mass uprising.

The number involved has reportedly reached tens of thousands.

At least 10 people are said to have been killed in separate clashes between the demonstrators, and security forces and vigilante mobs.

The trouble was sparked off when security forces and militia mobs stormed the dormitories of West Papuan students studying in Surabaya and Malang, East Java.

The pretext was an accusation - never substantiated - that the students had damaged a flag pole flying the Indonesian flag.

The number involved has reportedly reached tens of thousands.

At least 10 people are said to have been killed in separate clashes between the demonstrators, and security forces and vigilante mobs.

New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) said it was closely monitoring the security situation in West Papua.

MFAT said it has encouraged Indonesia to facilitate a visit to Papua by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

"We have urged Indonesia to respect and protect the human rights of all its citizens," a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said.

"New Zealand recognises Papua as part of Indonesia's sovereign territory.

"We continue to encourage Indonesia to promote peaceful social and economic development in Papua."

Despite MFATs efforts, some say New Zealand has not done enough.

West Papua Action Auckland has written an open letter to Jacinda Ardern.

They are urging her to condemn the racism that started the protests and end the internet blackout which is hampering journalists covering the story.

Source

• rnz.co.nz
• thejakartapost.com
• scoop.co.nz
• thespinoff.co.nz
• infowestpapua.com
• Image: infowestpapua.com

"As long as we continue to have people who are doing nothing in Honiara, this is where all this criminal activity is beginning to develop; stealing, shoplifting, even snatching people's bags as they walk past, all these things. And even worse, even wounding and killing," he said.

He says the church is doing as much as it can. "But there are members of the community, who escape the net of the church, and this is where I believe the government, the law of the country needs to be firm, needs to be articulate to address such issues."

A reconciliation that toook place on Monday ceremony is believed to have eased tensions caused by acts of violence in Honiara over the last 10 days

During the ceremony, compensation was paid to the families and victims of the violence.

Source

• Radio Australia Network News - Bishop's statement
• Radio Australia Network News - Reconcilation