Papua Regional Police Send 1 Brimob Company To Wamena Recover Security After A Riot

Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri. (ANTARA)

Papuan Police sent a company of Brimob personnel to Wamena to assist the security recovery in the region after riots occurred on Thursday, February 23. Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri said the riot incident in Wamena was triggered by the circulation of hoaxes or false information about the kidnapping of minors. The Jayawijaya Resort Police responded to the case to stop the residents' vigilant actions, but the situation turned around. "The incident actually wanted to be resolved at the Jayawijaya Police, but something provoked a riot," said Fakhiri in Jayapura, Antara, Friday, February 24. In the riots, there were 10 people who died and 41 people were injured, including 18 security forces, and 15 buildings were burned by the masses. "I am sorry for the heavy casualties caused by the riots in Wamena," said Inspector General Fakhiri. The Papua Police Chief hopes that the incident in Sinakma, Wamena District, will be a lesson for the Papuan people so that the same incident does not occur in the future. "I apologize and my condolences. From the reports I received, the situation in Wamena is now under control and gradually conducive. Forkopimda has taken joint steps to create a conducive situation and communicate with local community leaders," said Fakhiri.