Police Arrest Perpetrators Of Clashes In Hunuth Ambon Ended In Burning Dozens Of Houses

Press conference on the disclosure of cases of clashes at the Ambon Police, Thursday (ANTARA/Dedy Azis)

JAKARTA - The police arrested the suspect who was the trigger for the clash between residents that occurred in the Hunuth area, Ambon City.

Maluku Deputy Chief of Police Brigadier General Imam Thobroni said the police had arrested a number of people involved, including the main perpetrators who provoked and caused chaos.

"We have secured the perpetrator with the initials IS (19) who is still a student and currently the perpetrator of the clash is undergoing further investigation," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, August 21.

He explained that the clashes that occurred in Hunuth were previously triggered by the problem of fights between students that claimed one life to develop into a bigger commotion.

In that incident IS was the perpetrator of the stabbing of a student to death.

After the stabbing, spontaneously a group of people attacked other groups, causing material losses in the form of 35 houses burned and damaged and 636 people had to evacuate.

The authorities also secured evidence in the form of a set of school uniforms and a sharp weapon used by the perpetrator to stab the victim.

In addition, the police have also identified the perpetrators of the burning of the house for further law enforcement steps.

"We have collected evidence, witnesses and video of the fire circulating for further arrest of the perpetrators," he said.

According to the Deputy Chief of Police, handling this case is a priority so that conflicts do not spread and cause unrest. The police also continue to approach community leaders, as well as state kings, religious leaders, and local governments to maintain conduciveness.

"We are not only taking action against the perpetrators, but also taking persuasive steps by involving all parties, so that similar incidents do not happen again," he said.