Two French journalists were arrested in West Paupa by Indonesian police last week.

Police charged that the men had engaged in journalistic activities on their tourist visa, without obtaining a journalist visa.

Papua province police spokesman Sulistyo Pudjo Hartono said the two documentary filmmakers from German-French channel Arte, could face up to five years in prison and a 500 million rupiah ($42,000) fine, reported France24.

Thomas Dandois, 40, and Valentine Bourrat, 29, were reporting on the separatist movement in the province of West Papua.

French press watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called for their release earlier this week.

“That Dandois and Bourrat were doing a report on Papua is beyond all question,” said RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire.

“These two reporters are known for their integrity and honesty. Holding them for such a long time must be regarded as a violation of media freedom. We urge the authorities to release them without delay.”

Indonesian authorities said that the journalists were working closely with Papuan separatists.

"We were concerned that (the French nationals') activities were part of a plan to create insecurity and instability in Papua," Hartono said.

"The pair admit to working as foreign journalists for... Arte," he added. "But we are continuing to investigate who Valentine and Thomas are and their purpose in Wamena."

Meanwhile hundreds of Papuan students rallied in Yogyakarta on Friday, demanding the release of the journalists, reports the Jakarta Post.

“We urge the government to immediately release the two French journalists [being] held in Papua,” AMP spokesman Abby Douw said in an address to the crowd.