Police Set 5 DPO Cases Of The West Trans Papua Road Blockade

The Manokwari Police have arrested 19 suspects in general crimes and drugs that occurred in August 2023 in Manokwari, West Papua, Wednesday (30/8/2023). (ANTARA/Fransiskus Salu Weking)

MANOKWARI - The Manokwari City Police, West Papua, has named five suspects on the wanted list for being involved in the blockade of Jalan Maruni, which is the Trans Papua Barat road on August 8, 2023.

Manokwari Police Chief Kombes Rivadin Benny Simangunsong said the arrest of criminals often caused public reactions on the grounds that the police did not involve traditional leaders and local community leaders.

Therefore, the police changed the pattern by informing the public the perpetrators who entered the DPO, namely Herman Saiba, Jefri Saiba, Bobi Wonggor, Alex Sayori, and Melkianus Dowansiba.

"They (Customers and the community) will cooperate to help if the police are open. That's why I deliberately opened the name who wanted to be arrested," said Benny, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, August 30.

He emphasized that the whereabouts of the five DPOs were known to the police, but were given time so that each perpetrator could surrender to account for his actions.

The police hope that the commitment of traditional leaders, religious leaders, and community leaders to help the police arrest all perpetrators can be realized.

"Indigenous figures have spoken to us, if you want to make arrests, please coordinate with them. Well, I'm waiting for their commitment," explained Benny.

The police chief explained that the five DPOs would be arrested after two groups of people involved in the dispute resulted in a blockade of the Maruni Street section being resolved amicably.

However, the positive law against five suspects is still enforced as a deterrent effect for other people not to do the same thing.

"There are six suspects, one has been arrested, only five are DPOs. We give time, if we don't surrender, then we use the rule of law," he said.

The police chief emphasized that the blockade of a number of public facilities had a negative impact on regional development efforts, especially increasing investment competitiveness.

The police did not provide dispensation for the delivery of aspirations accompanied by a blockade of public facilities because it was in the interest of certain individuals.

"If there is a problem, it can be resolved through mediation, not playing bars. If you want a rational customary fine, not beyond reason, then bars," said Benny.