Police Urge Residents to Exercise Restraint Following Deadly Clash in Southeast Maluku

Maluku Regional Police have urged residents to exercise restraint and avoid provocation following a deadly clash between youth groups in Danar Village, East Southeast Kei Subdistrict, Southeast Maluku Regency, which occurred from the night of 26 March to the early hours of 27 March 2026. “It is true that a clash between youth groups occurred. Personnel from the Southeast Maluku Police Resort, assisted by Brimob units, have taken swift action, and the situation is now gradually under control,” stated the Head of Public Relations for Maluku Regional Police, Commissioner Rositah Umasugi, on Friday, 27 March 2026. She explained that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding between youths, which escalated into a gathering of crowds and mutual stone-throwing. The situation temporarily calmed with the arrival of authorities but reignited in the early hours, leading to further clashes. Several victims sustained injuries, both from the police and the public. The three injured police officers were Deputy Chief of Southeast Maluku Police Resort, Commissioner Djufri Jawa, Head of Criminal Investigation Unit, AKP Barry Talabessy, and patrol officer Bripda Siswanto Sofyan. From the public side, three people were reported injured, and one individual with initials FAR (25) died. In addition to the casualties, the clash caused material losses, including three houses burned down, four houses severely damaged, and one motorcycle completely burned. This data is preliminary and will be updated based on field developments. Rositah added that the situation has now been brought under control by Southeast Maluku Police Resort personnel along with Brimob Yon C Pelopor. Authorities have also implemented blockades to separate the conflicting groups. She emphasised that the police are prioritising persuasive measures, professional law enforcement, and coordination with community leaders, religious figures, and local government to maintain security stability. “We urge all residents to exercise restraint, avoid provocation, and fully entrust the handling to security forces. Efforts for reconciliation and social recovery are ongoing,” she said. Currently, police are maintaining security at the scene and conducting further investigations to ensure the situation remains safe and conducive.