Armed clashes among Flores Timur residents leave several injured

Clashes between residents of Dusun Bele (Waiburak Village) and Dusun Lewonara (Narasaosina Village) in the Adonara Timur district, Flores Timur Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which occurred on Friday, 6 March, left several people with gunshot wounds from improvised weapons. Two of them were referred to RSUD dr. Hendrikus Fernandez Larantuka and are to undergo surgery today, Saturday 7 March. The head of the Ile Boleng Community Health Centre, Stefanus Ola Bura, said the two referred victims were Waiburak residents. One sustained a wound to the right thigh and the other behind the right ear. “There are two victims from Waiburak, specifically Dusun Bele. Both victims were referred to RSUD Hendrikus Fernandes Larantuka,” he said in a phone interview with CNNIndonesia.com on Saturday afternoon. The director of RSUD dr. Hendrikus Fernandez Larantuka, Gregorius Bato Koten, said the condition of the two patients was currently stable but there was an foreign object inside their bodies, so today there were plans to operate to remove it. “One patient is still in the emergency department and the other has been moved to the Edelweis ward,” he added. Meanwhile, three other victims being treated at Adonara Pratama Hospital had gunshot wounds to the legs; two of them have been discharged after intensive care, while one remains under observation following the removal of a projectile. Flores Timur Police Chief, AKBP Adhitya Octorio Putra, explained that the clash was triggered by differing perceptions regarding plans for land use at the border between the two areas. Police immediately intervened to secure the scene and used persuasive approaches to calm residents and prevent renewed clashes. “Police personnel from Flores Timur Resort and Adonara Timur Sector mobilised to secure the location and urged people to stay calm,” he said. Security measures included stationing personnel at known hotspots to prevent mass movements that could trigger further clashes. The police also carried out intensive communication with traditional leaders, community figures, and village governments. “We are prioritising a humane approach by involving adat leaders and community figures so this issue can be resolved through deliberation,” AKBP Adhitya said. Preliminary data indicated six buildings were damaged: one copra warehouse, two business premises (a motor bike wash and a hairdressing shop), and three residences. Material losses are being catalogued with the village government. Police also seized evidence including a catapult, arrows, a machete-type knife, and several improvised devices suspected of being used to shock people for further investigation. A total of 30 Flores Timur Police personnel and 32 Brimob Sikka personnel have been deployed to maintain security. Police urged residents to exercise restraint and to resolve issues through dialogue with authorities.