On 13 December 2013, Edison Werimon was arrested when a West Melanesian 14-star flag and allegedly treasonous documents were found in his home in Sarmi. Soleman Fonataba was arrested four days later. The two men were charged with conspiracy to commit treason under Articles 106 and 110 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. Pada 13 Desember 2013, Edison Werimon ditangkap karena  bendera Melanesia Barat 14-Bintang dan dokumen yang diduga berkaitan dengan makar ditemukan di rumahnya di Sarmi. Soleman Fonataba ditangkap empat hari kemudian. Kedua orang tersebut didakwa dengan permufakatan jahat untuk melakukan makar di bawah Pasal 106 dan 110 KUHP Indonesia.