JAKARTA, Sept 6 (NNN-XINHUA) — The Indonesian government has lifted an internet blackout imposed after riots in Papua and West Papua provinces that killed three people and injured scores of others, Xinhua news agency reported, quoting a government statement.
“The government has gradually revoking restriction on internet services in Papua and West Papua provinces,” the statement issued by the ministry of information and communication said.
The lifting started before midnight on Wednesday in the areas where the security situation has returned to normal and the frequency of dissemination of hoax information, lies, expression of hatred and provocation related to issues of Papua has started edging down.
The areas included ten districts in Papua province and 10 districts in West Papua province.
“The government urges (all parties) not to spread hoax information, lies, expression of hatred and provocation through social media, so that the recovery of internet access can be accelerated in whole of Papua and West Papua provinces,” it said.
West Papua and Papua provinces have been stricken by a series of protests that turned to violence since August 19, leaving one soldier and two civilians dead with scores of others wounded, forcing the country’s security authority to send police reinforcement to quell the riot, according to the police and military.
