Clash Between Villagers in Luwu Leaves 5 Injured
A clash between villagers in Walenrang sub-district, Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, occurred on Friday, 24 April 2026. Several residents were reported to have sustained injuries after being hit by homemade paporo weapons and arrows. Five injured victims were rushed to Sawerigading Palopo Hospital for medical treatment. The victims generally suffered wounds from paporo bullets and arrow strikes. Not only those involved in the clash, but also several motorists and people caught in traffic jams near the location were reportedly victimised after being hit by stray arrows. The tense situation caused a complete paralysis of residents’ activities. As a result of the clash, several traders chose to close their buying and selling activities at the local market to avoid unwanted incidents. After the clash, houses around the incident site appeared deserted. House doors were tightly closed, and no resident activities were visible outside. Most of the community chose to stay indoors for safety reasons. “We choose to stay inside the house, not yet daring to carry out activities,” said one resident. To anticipate follow-up clashes, two trucks of Dalmas personnel from Luwu Police Resort and one water cannon vehicle have been prepared in the Karetan area. The Public Relations Head of Luwu Police Resort, Iptu Yakobus, stated that 116 personnel from Luwu Police Resort have been deployed to the location, plus operational control assistance (BKO) from Brimob to strengthen security. “Still on standby until the situation is truly conducive,” said Yakobus. Meanwhile, Deputy Regent of Luwu, Muh Dhevy Bijak Pawindu, asked all parties to exercise restraint and not be provoked into engaging in clashes. “I request the Village Head, youth figures, religious leaders to work together with security to embrace all our community members so that emerging problems can be resolved properly,” said Dhevy. Dhevy added that the situation in Walenrang must return to conducive so that the community can resume normal activities.