Indonesia arrests dozens for Papua protests

Indra Thamrin Hatta / AFP

Dozens of people have been arrested in Indonesia's Papua for "damaging and burning properties" in last week's protests.

Police confirmed that 28 people have been arrested and named as suspects, with more facing investigation.

On Saturday, two students in Indonesia's capital of Jakarta were also detained after being suspected of crimes against state security.

Authorities say the situation in Papua was now calmer after the area was racked by civil unrest for two weeks over perceived racial and ethnic discrimination. 

The rioters set cars and buildings ablaze, including a local parliament office and a building housing the offices of the state-controlled telco firm, during the protest.

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