Several Indonesian journalists are in danger in Jayapura in Papua province after hundreds of soldiers in the area rioted on 29 April.

One of the journalists reportedly sustained head injuries. Soldiers also confiscated the camera and other equipment of two of the reporters. The rest of the newsmen have taken refuge in a local police station while others hid in houses nearby.

One of the journalists was identified as Oka Barata of Reuters/Antara, while the other is a certain Anang. Their companions remain unidentified.

It was learned that four journalists went to the 751 Military Command's camp upon the invitation of its commander to cover an event.

While the four were having lunch nearby, they saw several soldiers attack their own camp. It was learned later that the said soldiers were angry with the provincial military commander for the inadequate compensation given to a soldier who had died.

The rioting soldiers turned on the journalists when they saw them taking pictures.

Police said they cannot guarantee the safety of the reporters who hid in their station if they venture out. Earlier, the soldiers and the policemen had a clash.

Civilians in whose houses some of the reporters have sought shelter provided them with clothes to hide their identities.

The situation remained chaotic in the city, punctuated by gunshots as soldiers continued to hunt for the journalists.