One Demonstrator Named As Suspect Of Riots In Dekai Yahukimo

Head of Public Relations of the Papuan Police Kombes Ahmad Kamal/DOK PAPUA POLICE

JAYAPURA - Yahukimo Police investigators named L, one of the protesters as a suspect in the riot that occurred in Dekai, Tuesday (15/3).

"It is true that investigators have named L as a suspect and are currently being held at the Yahukimo Police Headquarters in Dekai," said Head of Public Relations of the Papuan Police Kombes Ahmad Kamal, in Jayapura, quoted by Antara, Thursday, March 17.

L was named a suspect after investigators conducted an examination. He was suspected of being one of the perpetrators of the shophouse burning in Dekai. Previously, three people were arrested who were involved in the destruction and burning of government facilities and shop houses (ruko), during the demonstration against the expansion that took place in Dekai.

Investigators have also processed the crime scene (TKP) and are still continuing to investigate the witnesses, both from the community and members of the Police who were in the field at that time.

The demonstration against the expansion or new autonomous regions (DOB) that took place on Tuesday (15/3) was anarchic. The demonstrators set fire to and hurled at a number of buildings including the Kominfo Yahukimo Office whose courtyard was the place where the demonstrators gave speeches.

As a result, two residents died, two were injured by gunshots, and two police officers were injured.

Residents who died, namely Yakob Dell (30) and Erson Weibsa (20), two people who suffered gunshot wounds, namely Itos Itlay and Lucky Kobak, and two members of the Yahukimo Police were reported injured, one of whom was First Brigadier Muhammad Aldi.

The Papuan Police also sent two Brimob platoons to strengthen the personnel at the Yahukimo Police.