Schools still shut after brawls

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Two weeks after 26 people died in brawls between the residents of two villages, shops, offices and schools in Waikabubak, West Sumba, on the island of Sumba have yet to reopen, Antara reported on Thursday.

The secretary to the provincial administration, Sabinus Kantus, said many residents who fled the area in fear had yet to return. "Offices and schools are still closed. Students and teachers alike have yet to return," he said.

The news agency said that even some nurses had abandoned Waikabubak Hospital, leaving patients without adequate care.

Kantus conceded that the government needs to resolve the long- standing animosity and conflict between the two tribes so that people in the area can get on with their everyday lives.

The violence earlier this month was linked to ethnic tension between the Loli and Wewewa Timur tribes.