
The local chief of police said that this had been done by people who dont want peace and tranquillity to prevail in Serui. He also called them ‘irresponsible elements’.
The police chief, Deniel P.Dwi Atmoko, said that they were investigating the motives of those involved. ‘However, we can conclude that these people do not want peace to prevail and always engage in activities which are in violation of the law and one of things they do is to raise the kejora flag.’
He then went on to express his thanks to all those who had assisted the police and the army (TNI) in pulling down the flag. ‘This proves that the majority of people in Serui are very eager for peace. This is clear from the fact that the local people waited until the security forces had pulled the flag down.
He expressed the hope that these elements would not do such a thing again. ‘Stop doing things that clearly violate the law because this can only result in difficulties for the individuals themselves as well as for their families. We must work together to develop Serui in peace and tranquillity so as to ensure that the activities being undertaken by the local government can be achieved.’
[Abridged in translation by TAPOL]
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