Persecution Leads To Bantrok Residents In Haruku, Maluku Police Make Sure The Perpetrators Are Caged

Illustration of clashes. (Antaranews)

JAKARTA - The Maluku Regional Police (Polda) confirmed that they would follow up on cases of persecution that triggered clashes between residents in the border area of Kabauw Country and Kailo Country, Haruku Island District, Central Maluku, with strict and measurable legal processes.

"Everything will be input for all of us. The legal process is the first thing that will be done, there is no other word," said Maluku Police Chief Inspector General Dadang Hartanto, in Ambon, Wednesday, quoted by Antara.

This was conveyed directly by the Maluku Police Chief together with the Maluku Province Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) when visiting the location of the incident.

Dadang stated that law enforcement will be carried out according to procedures by prioritizing strong evidence, one of which is the testimony of witnesses who are considered very important to build clear legal construction.

"At least we have to find two pieces of evidence. Therefore, we ask for cooperation from the whole community. We agree that the law must be enforced firmly. However, this process is not easy because bringing someone to court must be supported by strong evidence. Otherwise, the prosecutor's office will refuse," he said.

He also said that his party would approach the people in Kailolo Country to urge the perpetrators to surrender voluntarily.

"Rest assured that we are trying hard to take legal action. We will go to Kailo also later to appeal to those who feel or who do it to be willing to surrender and take responsibility," he said.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Maluku, Hendrik Lewerissa, who was also present, expressed his deep condolences for the casualties in the incident. He was present not only as governor, but also as son of the Lease Islands area.

"Forkopimda and I were here first to express our condolences for the passing of dear brother. Hopefully it will be placed in the sight of Allah SWT," said the Governor.

The governor also emphasized that his presence with Forkopimda is a tangible form of the state's presence to hear directly the aspirations of the people.

"The Kapolda has conveyed a strong commitment that the law in Indonesia is indiscriminate. To anyone who commits a violation, the law must be enforced," he said.

He also asked for support from the entire community to assist the investigation process by becoming a witness and providing information needed by law enforcement officials.

Previously, clashes were triggered by allegations of mistreatment of a Kabauw resident by an unknown person (OTK) while he was traveling with his son in the Kailo area, precisely in front of Feri Wainana Port.

The incident sparked mass concentrations on the border between the two countries since Tuesday 9 September at 11.45 WIT and led to clashes that left one person dead and five others injured.

Responding to these conditions, 200 joint TNI-Polri officers immediately intervened to control the situation and prevent the spread of conflict. The situation in the area is reported to have gradually become conducive, and residents' activities have returned to normal.