Maluku Provincial Police Urge Public to Exercise Restraint After Youth Clash in Malra

The Maluku Provincial Police (Polda) has urged the public to exercise restraint and avoid provocation following a clash between youth groups in Desa Danar, Kei Kecil Timur Selatan Subdistrict, Maluku Tenggara Regency, which occurred from Friday (26/3) night until early Saturday (27/3). “It is true that a clash between youth groups occurred. Personnel from the Maluku Tenggara Police Resort, assisted by Brimob units, have handled the situation quickly, so the current conditions are gradually stabilising,” said the Head of Public Relations for Polda Maluku, Police Commissioner Rositah Umasugi, in Ambon on Friday. She explained that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding between youths, which then triggered a gathering of crowds and mutual throwing actions. The situation temporarily calmed after the arrival of officers but escalated again in the early hours, leading to further clashes. In the incident, several victims sustained injuries, both from the police and the public. The three injured police officers were Deputy Chief of Malra Police Resort, Commissioner Djufri Jawa, Head of Criminal Investigation Unit, AKP Barry Talabessy, and Sat Samapta personnel, Bripda Siswanto Sofyan. Meanwhile, from the public side, three people were reported injured, and one person with initials FAR (25) died. In addition to casualties and injuries, the clash also caused material losses, including three houses burned, four houses severely damaged, and one motorcycle completely burned. This data is still preliminary and will be updated according to developments in the field. Rositah added that the situation has now been controlled by the Maluku Tenggara Police Resort apparatus along with Brimob Yon C Pelopor personnel. Officers have also conducted separations to keep the two conflicting groups apart. She emphasised that the National Police prioritise persuasive measures, professional law enforcement, and coordination with community leaders, religious figures, and local government to maintain security stability. “We urge the entire community to exercise restraint, not to be provoked, and to fully trust the handling to the security apparatus. Efforts for reconciliation and social recovery continue to be carried out,” she stressed. Currently, police apparatus are still securing the scene and conducting further investigations to ensure the situation remains safe and conducive.