Ambon Conditions Return To Conducive After Clashes Between Residents

JAKARTA - The Maluku Regional Police (Polda) stated that the condition of Ambon City has now returned to conducive after the clash between groups of residents in the Trikora Ambon Monument area, which is the scene of the case (TKP).

"The conditions are now under control, the vehicle can pass and the community is also now active as usual," said Head of Public Relations of the Maluku Police, Kombes Areis Aminnulla, ANTARA, Sunday afternoon, January 12, 2025.

He said that currently the police were still on guard at the location. He admitted that swift steps had been taken to ensure the safety of residents.

"We have deployed joint personnel from the National Police and the TNI to maintain the situation. Currently, conditions are under control, and there will be no further action from both parties," he said.

According to information from the police, this commotion started from an argument between young people who were suspected of being involved in illegal racing and getting drunk around the Trikora Monument.

The small dispute sparked concentration of the masses until finally there were widespread clashes on several main roads and residential areas.

As a result of these clashes, three motorbikes and one building were reportedly burned. Several people were also injured by stone throwing. Police officers from the Ambon Police who received a report last Sunday, January 12 at 01.30 WIT in the morning immediately moved to the scene.

Kapolresta Pulau Ambon dan Pulau-Pulau Lease Kombes Pol Diyano Andri Ibrahim, menjelaskan bahwa pihaknya menurunkan personel gabungan dari Polresta Ambon, Polda Maluku, dan Kodam Pattimura untuk membubarkan massa yang bertaruh.

"We received reports of a commotion in Tugu Trikora triggered by illegal racing and drinking. Members were immediately deployed to dispel the crowd. Thank God, this morning the situation was conducive," said Driyano.

Officers fired warning shots and tear gas to disperse the crowd, but the action continued until morning.

On Sunday morning, the situation at the location gradually became conducive. Even so, the main roads around the Trikora Monument were filled with rock debris and the rest of the clashes.

To prevent further clashes, security forces were deployed at a number of strategic points in Ambon City. Until now, the police are still identifying the perpetrators who sparked the clashes.