Bloody Clashes In Sorong, West Papua, Police Say The Crowd Used Machetes, Arrows And Molotov Cocktails

Karo Penmas Divhumas Polri Brigadier General Ahmad Ramadhan (Photo: DOK Public Relations Polri)

JAKARTA - Bloody clashes between two groups broke out in Lawuyuk Village, East Sorong District, West Papua, Monday, January 24 yesterday. 1 person died in the clashes and 17 others in a karaoke place that was set alight by the mob.

Head of Public Information Bureau, Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Ahmad Ramadhan, said that the crowd used sharp weapons in these clashes. In order not to lengthen, the National Police has gathered several traditional, religious leaders and representatives of the two groups to meet.

"There was an attack between two groups of residents using machetes, arrows, and Molotov cocktails. The West Papua Regional Police and their ranks immediately coordinated with religious, traditional and community leaders to prevent any retaliation", explained Ramadhan at the National Police Headquarters, Jakarta, Tuesday, January 25.

The situation is now under control. The bodies trapped in the karaoke room as a result of this clash have been taken to the hospital for further identification.

The police continued Ramadhan, also appealed to the public to remain calm and not to take retaliatory actions. Currently, investigators have conducted an in-depth investigation by examining witnesses and investigating the crime scene.

"Investigations into the case are continuing to reveal the perpetrators. The West Papua Police and the Sorong Police will reveal the intellectual actors and the perpetrators of the two warring community groups. Entrust to the Police to enforce the case to the end. The public is asked to refrain from taking retaliatory actions", Said Ramadhan.