Police Investigate Ruko Burning At Korem 172/PWY Waena Jayapura Dormitory

Ruko in the Korem 172/PWY dormitory area in Waena, Jayapura City which was burned down, Thursday (28/11). (ANTARA/HO/Polresta Jayapura City)

JAYAPURA - Jayapura City Police are investigating the burning of several buildings in the Bucen III Waena area, Jayapura, which is located in the Korem 172/PWY dormitory area, Papua.

"The fire broke out on Thursday (28/12) at around 17.50 WIT scorched seven shop houses and official houses as well as health services," said Head of Public Relations of the Papua Police Kombes Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo in Jayapura as reported by ANTARA, Friday, December 29. It was explained that the fire that occurred was allegedly carried out by several mobs who participated in the procession of delivering the body of former Papua Governor Lukas Enembe from Sentani to his residence in Central Koya, Muara Tami District, Jayapura City.

From reports revealed that the incident began when a group of mobs delivering bodies passed at the Waena red light, a stone-throwing action took place at the security forces guarding the gate into the Korem 172/PWY Waena dormitory.

Responding to the action, members fired warning shots and a number of attempts to control the situation, but it turned out that anarchic actions continued and triggered the burning of several buildings around the Waena red light, including the Denkesyah office, shophouse and Korem 172/PWY Jayapura housing.

The fire quickly spread until it scorched the surrounding building and was only able to be extinguished at 20.30 WIT.

There were no casualties, material losses were estimated at Rp2 billion. "Investigators have collected data related to affected victims and conducted an investigation to reveal the motives and masterminds behind this incident," said Kombes Benny.