Pattimura Military Command Deploys 250 Personnel to Quell Clashes in West Seram, Maluku
AMBON — The XV/Pattimura Military Command has deployed 250 joint personnel to strengthen security and quell clashes between residents of Lisabata Village and Patahuwe Village, Taniwel District, West Seram Regency, Maluku.
Major General TNI Dody Triwinarto, Commander of Kodam XV/Pattimura, stated in a briefing received in Ambon on Saturday that the deployment was a rapid response to prevent the conflict from spreading and to anticipate follow-up clashes in the border areas of the two villages.
“We are strengthening security in the border areas of both villages to prevent subsequent clashes and to ensure the situation remains controlled until it is truly safe and conducive,” he said.
The deployed personnel consist of units from Yonif TP 8cal 865/Satria Manewata, Kodim 1513/SBB, the Taniwel Police Sector, and Brimob Piru. Troops have been stationed at several points that serve as access routes for mass movement from both villages.
Dody, alongside Maluku Regional Police Chief Inspector General Pol Dadang Hartanto and Danrem 151/Binaiya Brigadier General TNI Raffles Manurung, went directly to the location to manage the situation after the inter-village clashes intensified.
The tension was triggered by issues regarding land fires and escalated into mutual attacks. During the incident, several residents were reported injured by air rifles, and several buildings in Patahuwe Village were set on fire.
The Military Commander emphasised that TNI and Polri forces will not allow any parties to exacerbate the situation or engage in vigilantism. He urged residents of both villages to exercise restraint, refrain from carrying sharp weapons, and avoid being provoked by unverified information, including fake news circulating on social media.
“We must not let this issue escalate and harm us all. Let us keep Maluku safe, because security is our shared responsibility,” he said.
According to him, the resolution of the issue will be handled through legal mechanisms involving law enforcement agencies professionally.
In addition to strengthening security, Kodam XV/Pattimura, together with the Maluku Regional Police and the local government, is encouraging the involvement of community leaders, religious leaders, and youth groups to help ease tensions within the community. He noted that such steps are vital to prevent the conflict from recurring once field conditions are under control.
Meanwhile, the Maluku Regional Police Chief stated that the clash originated from a misunderstanding. The TNI, Polri, and local government are currently prioritising the restoration of community conditions, including addressing the damage to houses caused by the conflict.
Joint security forces remain on alert in the border areas of Lisabata and Patahuwe Villages to ensure the situation remains safe and to prevent any recurrence of violence.