East Nusra Weekly: Student Shot Dead by Friend—Temporary Employee Dies from Rabies

A student was shot dead by his friend in Southwest Sumba, a district employee died after being bitten by a rabid dog, and two lecturers at Mataram University (Unram) were suspended over lewd remarks, among several high-profile incidents in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) over the past week.

There was also action by students affiliated with Cipayung Plus rejecting Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s deactivation of salt ponds in Rote Ndao, NTT.

Student Shot by Friend After Joking

A 24-year-old student named Mario Marselina Kura died after being shot with an air rifle by his friend, Alexander Bili Kandu (20). Before collapsing, Mario allegedly jokingly asked to be shot.

The tragic incident occurred in Weepangali village, Kota Tambolaka district, Southwest Sumba Regency, NTT, around 4:00 PM local time on Friday (22 May). Mario was an active student at Stella Maris University in Southwest Sumba.

“This is a case of criminal air rifle misuse resulting in death,” said Iptu Yakobus Sanam, head of criminal investigation at the Southwest Sumba Police, when contacted on Saturday (23 May 2026).

Yakobus explained that Alexander initially visited Mario’s kiosk while carrying an air rifle to buy cigarettes. At the time, Alexander was served by the victim’s younger brother, Antonio Moru Kodu (10).

After shopping, Alexander was playfully challenged by Mario, who jokingly asked him to shoot. Upon hearing this, Alexander immediately cocked the air rifle and fired at the right side of Mario’s chest. Mario immediately collapsed to the ground.

“Initially, the victim made a joking remark saying ‘try shooting me in the chest’. After that, the perpetrator immediately shot the victim until he fell to the ground,” Yakobus said.

Mario’s panicked father rushed his son to Kharitas Waitabula Hospital. However, Mario could not be saved and was pronounced dead.

The case was reported to the Southwest Sumba Police. Upon receiving the report, police immediately attended the scene and conducted a crime scene investigation.

It did not take long for police to arrest Alexander and bring him to the Southwest Sumba Police station. Police also seized evidence including one Mauser air rifle, calibre 4.5 mm (0.177 inch), with a power of 600 to 1000 fps and effective accuracy range of 30 to 50 metres.

“The victim’s clothing was also secured as evidence. The perpetrator is still being investigated intensively,” Yakobus said.

According to Yakobus, Alexander’s action constituted misuse and negligence resulting in the victim’s death. Additionally, Alexander did not possess a permit for the use and ownership of an air rifle.

“The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the right chest. We are also still questioning witnesses,” Yakobus concluded.

Temporary Employee Dies After Being Bitten by Rabid Dog

Wempi Kebo reportedly died after being bitten by a dog suspected of being infected with rabies in Northwest Amfoang district, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Wempi was a district office employee who had just qualified as a part-time Civil Servant on Contract (PPPK).

“It is true that the victim died at Soliu Health Centre with suspected rabies symptoms. He worked at the office of the camat (district head) of Middle Amfoang,” said Saukibe village secretary in Northwest Amfoang district, Jhoni Kuanine, when contacted on Saturday (2026).

Jhoni explained that Wempi still resided in Saukibe village. He said Wempi was bitten by a dog for the first time in early May 2026, and then again on 14 May 2026 in Oelfatu village.

“He started showing symptoms last week, but more detailed information may come from Soliu Health Centre staff who can explain the symptoms,” Jhoni said.

According to Jhoni, the family did not initially report the dog bite to village authorities or medical personnel. The family only reported it several days later after Wempi displayed rabies symptoms such as fear of water, air, and light.

Meanwhile, Soliu Police Post commander Aipda Johanis Garets Lerrik said Wempi started displaying characteristic rabies symptoms after returning from Middle Amfoang. The family then contacted police to secure him.

Nevertheless, Lerrik was reluctant to speculate further about the cause and time of the district employee’s death. He reasoned that he had not yet verified this information with Soliu Health Centre.

“Whether it is rabies or something else, I have not yet checked because the contact number they provided was not active,” Lerrik concluded.

Previously reported, six residents in Northwest Amfoang district, Kupang Regency, NTT, became victims of bites from dogs suspected of being infected with rabies. The incident occurred on Monday (18 May).

Two Unram Lecturers Suspended Over Lewd Remarks

Two Unram lecturers are alleged to have committed verbal sexual harassment against several female students at the campus. Both lecturers teach at the Faculty of Law, Social Sciences, and Political Science (FHISIP) at Unram.

So far, four female students have claimed to be victims of harassment by the two lecturers. The four students lodged complaints with the Task Force for Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (PPKS) at Unram.

Joko Jumadi, chair of the Unram PPKS task force, confirmed receiving complaints regarding two lecturers accused of verbal sexual harassment against female students. Joko noted that the harassment by the two lecturers consisted of sexist remarks and lewd comments.

“There are two lecturers who have been reported. One was reported by three victims and the other by one complainant,” Joko said on Monday (18 May 2026).

Joko said the two lecturers are alleged to have made lewd remarks whilst teaching in class. Additionally, the victims were also propositioned with sensual messages via WhatsApp. “It is more about sexist remarks and lewd propositions. So the action taken is…”