The threat of rebellion in the Indonesian province of Irian Jaya is alarming PNG officials, who fear that a spillover of violence, armed incursions and a sudden flow of refugees would be beyond their control. Indonesia has funneled troops into the region and demanded that West Papuans stop rallying for independence, symbolized by the flying of the West Papuan flag. Some rebels have stated that they will declare independence Dec. 1, an act that may unleash a harsh military reaction.
