Thousands of vulnerable people – children, women and the elderly – are staying in shelters following the burning of a church that prompted thousands to flee their hometown of Aceh Singkil in Aceh province, an official of a church organization said on Saturday.
Ilma Sovri Yanti, the head of an Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) cross-faith post said that two posts managed by the PGI registered at least 5,000 people from vulnerable groups in Aceh Singkil.
"Most are women, but around 1,000 toddlers are staying in our shelters in North Tapanuli and West Pakpak," she told news portal tempo.co. Ilma said other people were trapped in the conflict area and faced challenges in leaving Aceh Singkil as a result of tight security.
Kompas.com reported on Wednesday that 7,000 people had fled Aceh Singkil to go to several areas in North Sumatra, according to Aceh Singkil district chief Safriadi.
PGI spokesman Jerry Sumampow said the organization was collaborating with local social agencies to facilitate people who wanted to leave the location. "They need motorcycles or other vehicles to travel," he said.
The National Police on Thursday named 10 suspects in the attack. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Anton Charliyan told Tempo that the police had arrested three suspects while the remaining seven were still at large.
Anton said the three people had been implicated in the burning of the church. "We also have found out the name of the instigator. The person is on the police's wanted list," he said as reported by Tempo.
Police questioned at least 45 people in connection with the Oct. 13 attack, which claimed one life and injured four. (rin)