24 Nov 2011

Papua police warn against text message rumours

1:02 pm on 24 November 2011

Anonymous text messages are spreading in Indonesia's Papua region telling people there will be a demonstration and occupation of several state buildings in Jayapura.

The Jakarta Globe reports the demonstration is said to be happening on December the first, which is the anniversary of the birth of the Free Papua Organisation.

The text messages also warned people not to leave their homes after 6 p.m.

But the Papua police chief Inspector General Bigman Lumbang Tobing says people should not be influenced by the text messages sent by irresponsible people.

He says people should not feel unrest, and that the security situation in Papua is safe.

Police are investigating the messages.