WEST Papuan Christians have condemned a rise in Indonesian state violence which has seen an escalation in the killing and wounding of religious figures over the past few months.

It is thought that West Papua’s religious community is being targeted for voicing opposition to the Indonesian occupation of the territory and advocating a referendum on independence.

In August 58 priests rejected Indonesian plans to extend the Special Autonomy law which is due to expire early next year.

An open letter published by the West Papuan Council of Churches urged President Joko Widodo to meet with Papuan independence groups and opposed further militarisation.

Pastor Yeremia Zanambani was allegedly tortured before being shot dead by the Indonesian military in September with the suspected killer dying in mysterious circumstances days later.

The following month Rufinus Tigau was killed during a village raid and in November three Papuan students were executed by an Indonesian death squad.

Representatives of the Catholic Church in Indonesia have called for an end to the violence and for talks.

The World Council of Churches has also expressed “grave concern” over the situation, highlighting Indonesian human rights abuses, as well as environmental degradation and abnegation of the universal right to self-determination.