Central Halmahera Murder Case Investigated, Police Deny SARA Issue
TERNATE - North Maluku Police Chief Inspector General Pol Waris Agono emphasized that the murder case in Central Halmahera was not related to ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup (SARA), but was triggered by provocation and information that could not be ascertained as true.
"We emphasize that this is not a SARA conflict. There are indications that this incident was influenced by provocation and the dissemination of information that is not necessarily true," said Waris, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, April 7.
Waris said investigators are currently investigating the case by tracing all the facts, including the testimony of the survivors.
"We will investigate all the facts, including the testimony of survivors who have an important value because they have experienced the incident directly," he said.
The Police Chief also appealed to the public to remain calm and not easily provoked by information that is not clear about its truth.
"Don't let unclear issues complicate the situation and create misunderstandings among the public," he said.
He added that until now there has been no evidence pointing to the involvement of certain community groups in the incident.
"We emphasize, there is no indication that leads to that," he said.
In addition, his party also investigated the existence of indications of provocation that could potentially complicate the situation.
"Whoever tries to divide and complicate the situation will be dealt with according to the applicable law," he said.
To uncover the case, the National Police Headquarters is planned to send a team to assist the investigation process.
The Police Chief asked the public to refrain and entrust the handling of the case entirely to the police.
"We appeal to the public not to be easily provoked. Give us time to work to the fullest in uncovering this case," said Waris Agono.
Until now, the security situation in the area is still being monitored by the police to ensure that the situation remains conducive.