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<p>We follow the situation in Papua with close interest, whilst respecting the territorial
integrity of Indonesia. We recognise there are significant challenges in Papua and
are concerned about the sporadic violence and restrictions on freedom of expression
which continue to take place, such as the events in Nabire District between 29 June
and 6 July. As a result, we have pressed the Indonesian authorities to address legitimate
concerns and ensure the sustainable and equitable development of the province. Our
Ambassador and Embassy officials visit Papua periodically. Officials most recently
visited earlier this month and our Ambassador will visit again later this year. We
will continue to raise our concerns with the Indonesian authorities. We also raised
the issue of access to Papua for foreign journalists during Indonesia's Universal
Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in May 2017.</p><p>We welcome the Indonesian
Government's commitment to improving the situation in Papua. President Widodo has
visited a number of times since his election in 2014 and has granted clemency to some
prisoners and lifted travel restrictions for foreign journalists and international
organisations. These are welcome developments, which we support.</p>
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