Indonesia blocks internet in Papua to prevent more violent protests

Riots and demonstrations have brought several cities in the island region to a standstill, as anger over the alleged racist abuse of students spreads

The communications ministry says the amount of racist and provocative content online is still very high

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People protest against the violence in Indonesia's eastern Papua province. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:05pm, 22 Aug 2019Updated: 10:05pm, 22 Aug 2019

Indonesia has blocked internet access in unrest-hit Papua over fears that a stream of offensive and racist online posts will spark more violent protests in the region, the government said on Thursday.

Riots and demonstrations brought several Papuan cities to a standstill this week, as buildings were torched and street battles broke out between police and protesters in Indonesia’s easternmost territory.

A rebel insurgency against Jakarta’s rule has simmered for decades in the island region, which shares a border with Papua New Guinea.

A market burns during a protest in Fakfak, Papua. Photo: AP

But the riots appear to have been triggered by the arrest of dozens of Papuan students – who were also pelted with racist abuse – in Java at the weekend.

Indonesia slowed internet service in recent days to clamp down on hoaxes, provocative comments and racist abuse targeting Papua’s ethnic Melanesian population. But it shut down service completely late on Wednesday.

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