Jakarta - Nearly 20,000 people raised the Morning Star flag of the rebel Free Papua Movement in Indonesia's eastern province of Irian Jaya yesterday. It was also raised in other parts of the province, the western side of New Guinea, where a low-key rebellion has operated against Jakarta's rule for years.
Pro-independence leader Mr Theys Eluay said autonomy within Indonesia, which President Wahid's government has offered, was not enough. "We reject the offer for autonomy . . . Independence is the only choice. We demand the withdrawal of the military from Irian Jaya before May 1st, 2000," Mr Eluay told reporters.