Police Claim Adonara Situation Conducive After Deadly Clashes

Police have claimed that the security situation in East Adonara District, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, is now conducive following a bloody clash between residents of Narasaosina and Waiburak villages. “The situation is now conducive, residents in the field have been able to resume their activities, and the economy is also back to normal,” said East Flores Police Chief AKBP Adhitya Octorio Putra on Monday (20/7). He stated that following the bloody clash between the two groups of residents, which occurred on Saturday (18/7) morning at 6.30 am local time, the security situation has returned to normal. He noted that tensions were high after the clash when officers were trying to evacuate the body of a victim lying on the road. However, after negotiations by the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) and police officers with local figures, the situation was brought under control. The victim, identified as Hope, a 60-year-old resident of Narasaosina Village, was successfully evacuated. Adhitya said that although the security situation is now conducive, joint TNI and Polri personnel remain on alert by conducting routine patrols. To prevent further clashes and maintain stability, reinforcements from the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) of Kompi 4 Battalion B Maumere and the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police Brimob unit, including a bomb disposal team, have been deployed. He explained that joint personnel are stationed at three posts: Narasaosina Village Post, Waiburak Post, and the Susteran Post. The deadly clash, triggered by a dispute over customary land and territorial boundaries, resulted in three fatalities, seven injuries, and 20 houses being burned down. Adhitya said the police are currently focusing on maintaining the restored stability for the benefit of the general public. He added that an investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators responsible for the killings and arson, and they will be held legally accountable for their actions. He urged all parties to exercise restraint and work together to maintain the peaceful situation to prevent the conflict from recurring.