Indigenous Services Damaged, Facilities For Sand Mining Companies In Central Maluku Burned By Residents

MALUKU - Maluku Regional Police (Polda) is investigating the burning of a number of facilities belonging to a sand mining company in Haya Village, Tehoru District, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku.

This action was carried out by residents after there was a destruction of the sad or customary ban installed by the local community.

The Head of Public Relations of the Maluku Police, Kombes Aries Aminullah, confirmed the incident and residents carried out the arson as a form of protest over the destruction of customary relaxation that they installed as a prohibition against company activities that were considered to have a negative impact on the environment.

"Sasi adat adalah tradisi masyarakat yang melarang sementara aktivitas atau pengambil hasil alam dalam kurun waktu tertentu," kata Aries dilansir ANTARA, Selasa, 18 Februari.

A number of facilities burned include security posts, office rooms, laboratories, operational vehicles such as cars and motorbikes, heavy equipment, and employee mes. The police are currently still conducting further investigations to reveal the perpetrators and the motive behind the incident.

He explained that the office burning took place at 21.30 WIT, Sunday (16/2/).

To prevent wider conflict between residents and the company, currently dozens of police officers from the Central Maluku Police have been dispatched to the location to handle the case.

"Mr. Kapolres has deployed a platoon of personnel, has carried out a crime scene investigation, and is currently still investigating," he said.

Regarding the case, the Central Maluku Police have also coordinated with the Acting Regent of Central Maluku and also the chairman of the Central Maluku DPRD.

"We are coordinating to reduce both parties so that incidents do not spread," he added.

He also confirmed that after the incident of the attack on the company's office, the security situation in the village could be controlled. "After the police personnel arrived, the situation had subsided again," he said.

Until now, it is not known who has been investigated regarding the case.

"While it is still being investigated, we are still waiting for members who are still investigating at the TKP. If it is proven that there is a criminal act, it will definitely be processed according to the rules," said Areis.