Police arrest tribal leaders

JAYAPURA, Papua: The police arrested on Monday eight tribal leaders for their suspected role in the latest clashes between two tribes in nearby Timika district.

Mimika Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Paulus Waterpaw said the eight were accused of provoking and participating in the violence, despite peacemaking efforts facilitated by the local government.

Paulus said tensions had subsided following the arrest of Decky Murib, Yedinus Murib, Welius Tabuni, Welius Alom, Kogomang Murib, Atinus Kogomal, Muli Kula and Paulus Umbrawaga.

Renewed clashes erupted over the weekend between Kwamki Lama and Djayanti hamlets over a Rp 9 billion (US$1.01 million) compensation unpaid to three Kwamki Lama families for relatives who had died in a similar clash last month.

Police deployed a Mobile Brigade unit to restore order and conduct an arms sweep. -- JP