Honiara, Solomon Islands — A local Solomon Islands activist for the Free West Papua campaign has alleged that the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) called him twice and he was advised that anyone raising the Morning Star flag during the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meetings in Honiara could face arrest.
The activist, Ben Didiomea, is among those who have long advocated for West Papua’s right to self-determination. He took the shocking news online and wrote that police officers specifically told him that individuals who display the flag during the regional gathering would be arrested, and the police also wanted to meet with him.
The Morning Star flag is widely recognized as a symbol of the West Papuan independence movement. Its display has been a common feature of solidarity actions across the Pacific, particularly in Melanesian countries, where civil society groups, churches, and activists have often expressed support for West Papua’s cause.
The allegation of potential arrests shows the heightened sensitivity surrounding political demonstrations during the PIF meetings currently hosted in Honiara.
As of now, RSIPF has not issued a public statement in response to the claims.
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