Clash Between Residents in Central Halmahera, North Maluku Deputy Governor Intervenes and Calls for Peace

Ternate (ANTARA) - North Maluku Deputy Governor Sarbin Sehe called on all residents in the province’s 10 regencies and cities to maintain peace following a clash between residents in Central Halmahera Regency on Friday. “I call on all residents in this province to exercise restraint and not be provoked. Let us together maintain peace,” Sarbin told reporters at the Resident’s Port Dock in Ternate before departing for Central Halmahera. He explained that the situation at the clash site, namely Banemo Village and Sibenpopo Village in West Patani Subdistrict, has begun to be brought under control after joint TNI/Police forces were deployed since Friday morning. Sarbin stated that he, along with the North Maluku Deputy Police Chief and the Commander of the 152/Baabullah Regional Military Command, are heading to Central Halmahera to meet with religious leaders, community figures, and customary leaders to seek a peaceful solution for both parties. “We are all brothers, let us maintain peace,” he said. “I ask the residents to together maintain security and peace,” he added. Previously, the clash occurred on Friday morning, triggered by the discovery of the body of a Banemo Village resident in a plantation area located in Sibenpopo Village territory. The incident sparked anger from the victim’s family and local residents. The action culminated in attacks using sharp weapons and other dangerous objects, which were then reciprocated by the other side, resulting in mutual assaults. As a result of the clash, several residents’ houses in Sibenpopo Village were reported to have been burned. In addition, one Sibenpopo Village resident was reported dead.