Police Involve Adat Leaders to Quell Land Conflict in Adonara Timur

Clashes between residents over a land dispute in Adonara Timur, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted on Friday, March 6. The altercation involved residents of Bele Hamlet, Waiburak Village, and Lewonara Hamlet, Narasaosina Village, sparked by a land dispute at the border between the two areas. Tensions between the two groups escalated, resulting in damage to several buildings and injuries to several residents. The Flores Timur Police Chief AKBP Adhitya Octorio Putra, S.I.K., said police moved quickly to the scene to quell the conflict so it did not spread. ‘Polres Flores Timur personnel together with Adonara Timur Sector Police immediately secured the scene and conducted persuasive outreach to the community so that the situation remains conducive,’ Adhitya said on Friday night. Police then stationed officers at a number of vulnerable points to prevent mass movement by both groups. The authorities also conducted intensive communication with adat leaders, community leaders, and village governments to ease tensions. ‘We prioritise a humane approach by involving adat figures and community leaders so that this matter can be resolved through deliberation,’ he explained. As a result of the clashes, six buildings were damaged: one copra warehouse, two business premises (a car wash and a barber shop), and three residents’ houses. In addition to property damage, several residents were injured and have received medical treatment. At the scene, police also secured a number of items believed to have been used during the clash, including slingshots, arrows, machetes, and several improvised devices suspected of being used as stun devices. All of these evidences have been secured by the police for further investigation. The Chief Police urged residents from both areas to exercise restraint and not take actions that could worsen the situation. ‘We invite all residents to maintain security and public order. Entrust the resolution of this matter to the authorities and local government through dialogue and deliberation,’ he emphasised. Currently, police together with the local government continue to facilitate dialogue between the two sides to seek a peaceful solution and keep the Adonara Timur area secure. (H-3)