Mimika – Dozens of protesters from the Red and White Brigade held a peaceful protest at the Timika Indah Roundabout, Mimika Regency, Friday (May 1, 2026).
This protest was held to commemorate the return of Papua to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
During the protest, protesters carried national attributes, including the Red and White flag, as a symbol of loyalty to the country’s sovereignty.
They also unfurled a banner reading “May 1st: Reflecting Papua’s History Within an Indonesian Framework.”
The protest’s Field Coordinator, Simon Haluk, conveyed the Papuan people’s commitment to maintaining national unity.
He emphasized that as long as the Red and White flag flies over Papua, Papua will remain an inseparable part of Indonesia.
“We uphold the unity and sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. NKRI is non-negotiable!” he asserted.
Simon also recalled the historical struggles of Papuan heroes, such as Silas Papare and Marthen Indey.
According to him, history cannot be erased or distorted; Papua’s accession to Indonesia was the result of genuine struggle, not simply a gift.
“If inequality still exists today, that’s not a reason to distance ourselves or resist, but rather a reason to engage and build. Papua is Indonesia, and Indonesia is Papua. Not just in words, but in our hearts, in our actions, and in our daily struggles,” Simon said.
In addition to giving speeches, the crowd marched along Belibis Street and returned to the Timika Indah Roundabout.
The demonstration proceeded in an orderly manner, with tight security forces guarding it to ensure the situation remained conducive until the end of the event.
