Papuan man shot dead in scuffle

Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post/Jayapura

A 25-year-old resident from the Papua city of Wamena was shot dead on Friday, as he tried to forcibly take a firearm from a police officer who was guarding the Tolikora regent's house, police said.

Frans Alua died from gunshot wounds to the neck and left arm during the struggle with Second Brig. Abraham Inggamer, 21, at around 6:30 a.m.

Abraham was also shot in the left leg during the incident at the Tolikora regent's residence on Jl. SD Percobaan in Wamena, Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Timbul Silaen told journalists.

Timbul said the encounter started when Frans and his friends, who were drunk, asked Abraham for permission to enter the house and meet with the Tolikora regent.

At the time, Abraham's two colleagues -- Second Brig. Herni and Second Brig. Yulius from the Jayawijaya Police station, who were also on guard -- were hoisting the national flag outside the house.

Abraham later rejected Frans' request and told him and his drunk friends to go away.

The men started to leave, but one of them, Pilatus Oga who was carrying a machete, turned back and, together with Frans, tried to seize Abraham's firearm.

Frans died instantly while Pilatus was uninjured.

Timbul said that before the incident, the victim and his friends pelted stones at the local regent's house at 1 a.m.

"We are investigating the motive behind the stoning incident and the attempt at seizing the gun. If the police officers are proven guilty (of an offense), we will take firm action against them," Timbul said.

He said the Jayawijaya Police had detained Abraham for an investigation and would also question other witnesses.