SORONG - The Southwest Papua Regional Police are investigating the vandalism of four official vehicles parked at Governor Elisa Kambu's residence. The perpetrators were members of a protest group supporting four treason convicts in Sorong City.
Southwest Papua Regional Police Chief, Brigadier General Gatot Haribowo, explained the impact of the protest, which began early Wednesday morning at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Indonesian Time (WIT). In addition to road blockades and the destruction of public facilities, the Governor's official vehicles were also damaged.
"Four official vehicles parked at Governor Elisa Kambu's residence were vandalized by the protesters," he explained in Sorong, Antara news agency reported on Wednesday, August 27.
He said that based on testimonies from residents submitted to the police, several names have been identified.
"We already know the perpetrators because witnesses have corroborated this," he said.
The situation in Sorong City heated up early Wednesday morning when the Sorong District Attorney's Office (Kejari) transferred four political prisoners charged with treason, members of the Federal Republic of West Papua (NFRPB), to Makassar.
"The situation is now under control, and we are working to secure the four prisoners who will be taken to Makassar," he said.
His office also deployed hundreds of personnel to several strategic locations to anticipate any supporters staging further demonstrations.
The supporters of the four prisoners protested and attempted to block the transfer process at the entrance of the Sorong City Police Headquarters at around 5:15 a.m. WIT. During the demonstration, the protesters burned wood and used tires, and delivered speeches demanding that the transfer be cancelled.
The situation escalated when security forces were forced to push back the crowd, who insisted on blocking the area around the Sorong City Police Headquarters.
Then, around 6:30 a.m. WIT, a prison vehicle belonging to the Attorney General's Office finally managed to leave the Sorong City Police Headquarters under tight security from Brimob tactical vehicles and headed for Domine Eduard Osok (DEO) Airport in Sorong.
Dozens of police officers, assisted by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), were stationed at the airport to anticipate any security disturbances.
Upon arrival at DEO Sorong Airport, the Prosecutor's Office team, along with Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob), immediately escorted the four detainees to the departure area, where they were then flown to Makassar, South Sulawesi, to face trial at the Makassar District Court.
The four detainees, identified as AAG, NM, MS, and PR, have been named suspects in a treason case related to NFRPB activities.
Several hot spots remain, including Jl. Baru, the Sorong City Government office complex, and the Governor's Office.
Nevertheless, police remain on standby at these locations to minimize further disturbances.
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