Jakarta – Opposing parties of the Puncak Jaya regional elections have agreed to end a conflict in the region, marked by a "breaking arrow" ritual performed by representatives of the three candidates' respective supporters.
The ritual was organized in Mulia city, witnessed directly by Puncak Jaya Regent Henok Ibo, Puncak Jaya Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Marthen Hutabarat, Regional Military Command commander Lt. Col. Inf. Hindratno Devidanto, local house speaker Mendi Wonorengga and Rev. Dainus Game, among other local figures.
In addition to the ritual carried out by representatives Erenias Kogoya, Matius Kiwo, Yeki Telenggen and Kire Wonda, all parties also agreed to prohibit the possession of arrows and machetes in the city to minimize the potential for future conflicts.
"We will seize arrows and machetes from anyone coming into the city," Henok Ibo said.
Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar had deployed two mobile brigade units and 200 security personnel as additional reinforcement to maintain order in the region.
The conflict has so far claimed one life, injured dozens and destroyed 21 houses and eight motorcycles.
The conflict started following the election victory of Yuni Wonda and Deinas Geley on June 15. They had won the vote in six districts over the then incumbent pair of Henok Ibo and Rinus Telenggen and the pair of Yustus Wonda and Kirenius Telenggen. (dic)