A group of West Papuans involved with the Freedom Flotilla say they are in hiding after receiving threats from the Indonesian military and police.
The flotilla, which sought to raise awareness about human rights abuses in West Papua, had planned to sail from Australia to the Indonesian port of Merauke earlier this month but changed its plans after the Indonesian navy said it would not rule out using lethal force against them in response.
Instead, a group of West Papuans crossed the Indonesian sea border in a small boat to meet with the Australian and West Papuan activists last week.
Yacob Mechrian Mandabayan, who was a key local contact for the flotilla in Merauke, was on board. He is now in hiding with five others and fears for his life.
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