The Facts Behind The 'Bloody' Yahukimo Case

TNI-Polri meet with Dekai Papua/Panren figures 172

JAKARTA - The National Police continues to investigate the main cause behind the attack on the Kimyal Tribe against the Yali Tribe in Yahukimo, Papua. Although, so far the allegations have led to the issue of former Yahukimo Regent Abock Busup who died unnaturally.

The attack resulted in bloodshed. Six people were declared dead and dozens more injured.

Dozens of Suspects

Head of Public Information Bureau (Karo Penmas), Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Rusdi Hartono, stated that in this case, at least 22 people were named as suspects. They are considered involved in the attack.

"Investigators have followed up on the case and have named 22 suspects in the Yahukimo case," Rusdi told reporters, Wednesday, October 6.

Based on the results of the investigation, the suspects were directly involved in the attack. In fact, it was proven to have committed a number of acts of violence and vandalism.

Although it has determined dozens of suspects, the National Police emphasized that it is possible that there will be additional suspects in the follow-up investigation process.

"The possibility of increasing the number of suspects is quite large because the case is still being investigated. Meanwhile, 22 people have been named as suspects. Hopefully, all the efforts made by the officers there can restore the security and order situation in Yahukimo Regency," he said.

Trigger Issue

In this attack, the Police are still looking for the real trigger. Although, the strongest suspicion is that the issue of Abock Busup's death is said to be unnatural.

Abock Busuf breathed his last in room 1707 of the Grand Mercure Hotel, Central Jakarta, on October 3. The results of the investigation did not reveal any acts of violence.

"Everything is still being investigated, indeed at the beginning the police indicated that the cause of the riot was the death of Abock Busup who died in Jakarta," said Rusdi.

On the previous occasion, Rusdi had also stated that the National Police, especially the Papuan Regional Police were hunting for those who spread the issue that was the cause of clashes between the two tribes in Yahukimo, Papua. In the hunt, dozens of witnesses have been examined.

"It is being investigated (spreading the issue)," he said.

Thousands of Refugees

In addition to the loss of life, the impact of the attack was public fear. It was recorded that thousands of people fled to safer places for fear of becoming victims.

"There are still residents around Yahukimo who are still evacuating, still asking for protection, it is recorded that 3609 are still taking refuge in several locations," said Rusdi.

Currently, there are at least three locations for evacuation. Among others, the Yahukimo Police, the Dikeevanesti church, the Dekai Koramil.

On the other hand, to restore Yahukimo's condition to peace, the National Armed Forces (TNI)-National Police (Polri) apparatus have been alerted. They will take care that there are no further clashes.

"TNI-Polri security forces with 3 SSKs are in Yahukimo to restore the security situation and public order in Yahukimo Regency," said Rusdi.