Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius D Fakhiri admitted that 17 people were arrested in connection with demonstrations against the establishment of new autonomous regions (DOB) in Jayapura and Merauke regencies. In Jayapura Regency, two people were arrested on Friday (3/6/2022). Meanwhile in Merauke, 15 people were arrested on Saturday (4/6/2022). "When we forced ourselves to hold a demonstration, we arrested several people, after we asked for their information, we sent them home," said Fakhiri in Jayapura, Sunday (5/6/2022) night. Fakhiri explained that the reason the security forces detained the 17 people was because their actions did not have a permit. The police's offer to facilitate vehicles for the demonstrators to their respective DPRD offices was rejected by the masses. "They wanted to hold a demonstration (but) we didn't give them permission because they couldn't fulfill the licensing procedures regulated by law in this country," said Fakhiri. According to Fakhiri, the masses on behalf of the Papuan People's Petition (PRP) have repeatedly held the same demonstrations and have always insisted on a long march to the Papuan DPR office. This wish cannot be granted because it will interfere with the activities of other communities. "Please also respect the interests of other people who want to be active. The police do not hinder the right to express their aspirations, but it must be done according to the applicable rules," said Fakhiri. Demonstrations against the plan to form new autonomous regions have been held four times in a number of regencies/cities in Papua. The last action was carried out in Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, Mimika, Jayawijaya and Merauke, on Friday and Saturday.