Regional Head Election (Pilkada) Supporting Clashes In Puncak Jaya: 94 Injured, 40 Houses Burned

JAKARTA Clashes between supporters of the regional head candidate pair (paslon) occurred in Puncak Jaya Regency, Papua, during the Regional Head Election (Pilkada). This incident resulted in 94 people being injured and 40 houses and one honorai being burned by the masses.

The Head of Public Relations of the Papua Police, Kombes Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, stated that 14 seriously injured victims would be referred to the Jayapura Hospital for further treatment.

"The number of victims is 94 people, and some are planned to be referred to the Jayapura Hospital," he said in his statement, Thursday, November 28.

Benny revealed that the victims suffered injuries from sharp weapons, especially from attacks using arrows. "This attack against each other involved a mass of supporters of candidate pairs number 1 and 2, who used war tools in the form of arrows," he explained.

Clashes began on Wednesday (27/11) at the Jimmy kiosk intersection towards the Grave Complex 7. Tensions grew until the masses of one of the camps burned dozens of residents' houses. The joint TNI-Polri apparatus immediately responded to the situation to intervene and control the riots.

"A total of 40 housing units and one honorai were reportedly burned by the masses," said Benny.

The Head of the Puncak Jaya Police, AKBP Kuswara, emphasized that his party was investigating the motive for the clashes by collecting evidence and witness statements.

"Currently, the situation in Puncak Jaya Regency is gradually becoming conducive. We have alerted joint TNI-Polri personnel to prevent further clashes," said Kuswara.

This situation is in the national spotlight, with the hope that all parties can maintain security and order in the democratic process in Papua.