Nethy Dharma Somba and Yemris Fointuna, Jayapura/Kupang – One person was killed in a clash between residents and police personnel in Moenamani village, Nabire, Papua, on Wednesday, while two residents and three police members were injured.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed due to a communication problem in Moenamani, while the wounded are currently being treated at Nabire Public Hospital.
Papua Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Wachyono told The Jakarta Post that the clash broke out at around 2:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday when a crowd attacked Moenamani Police station. An hour earlier, its police nabbed drunk residents and those who bought illegal togel lottery tickets at Moenamani Market.
Residents did not accept the police action and later assembled at Moenamani Police asking them to return the lottery tickets they had confiscated earlier. They also asked police to legalize togel as public entertainment.
The crowd grew and began vandalizing the police station, tossing rocks. Police personnel responded with warning shots, but one hit a resident who died later, and the other injured a resident. The situation mounted when the crowd set fire to Moenamani Market. "During the clash, the police chief's pistol was reportedly seized by the crowd. We still need proof on this," said Wachyono.
The Moenamani Police later asked Paniai and Nabire Police forces for assistance, including backup from the local military command.
The situation in Moenamani has since returned to normal. The crowd has dispersed and returned to their respective villages.
Separately, three residents from Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) in Gendang Hero Koe hamlet, Ketang village, Lelak district, Manggarai regency, were killed and 10 others seriously injured after a group, believed to be from Gendang Langke Norang village, attacked them Wednesday noon. The attack was believed to be triggered by a land boundary dispute.
The victims were identified as Gerardus Gabut, Matias Jemali and Petrus Jemali. The 10 wounded victims suffered critical injuries and are receiving treatment from the Cancar Community Health Center and Ruteng Public Hospital.
West Manggarai Vice Regent Deno Kamelus said his office had requested police aid to secure the incident scene to prevent further clashes. "It's a pity because the disputing parties have family ties. They should have resolved the issue amicably," said Kamelus.
A relative of a deceased, Marthin Sinani, said the clash stemmed from a traditional ritual carried out by a family from Gendang Hero Koe at its ancestors' cemetery. "During worship, a group of people from Gendang Langke Norang armed with knives and machetes arrived. Many victims were from Gendang Hero Koe's side," he said.