Mr Eluay's body was found inside his crushed car at the bottom of a ravine, hours after he was abducted. An autopsy revealed he had been asphyxiated.

Preparations have begun for Saturday's funeral of Theys Eluay in his home town of Sentani.

For the moment his coffin lies draped with the symbol of independence, the Morning Star flag.

On Tuesday, thousands marched alongside the ambulance carrying Mr Eluay from the Irian Jaya capital Jayapura to Sentani.

Supporters sang hymns as they walked, others followed in cars or on motorcycles.

The Morning Star flag , officially banned, flew freely.

Friends and relatives gathered around Mr Eluay's coffin on its arrival in Sentani.

They have accused the Indonesian military of killing Mr Eluay - the army denies it. Police say the death was "unnatural".

Supporters say Mr Eluay's death will only serve to strengthen their cause.