Tension remains high in warring Lombok villages
JAKARTA (JP): Security forces were still tightly guarding the warring villages of Bongor and Parampuan in the resort island of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) on Thursday, following two days of brawls which killed at least nine people and injured scores of others.
"Most of the victims suffered slash wounds and one identified fatality, named Helmi of Bongor village, was killed due to a gunshot wound from an assembled gun," NTB Police spokeswoman Adjutant Comr. Tri Budi Pangastuti told The Jakarta Post from Mataram the capital of West Nusa Tenggara later on Thursday.
The brawl between both camps of villagers -- located at Lombok Barat regency -- began at noon on Wednesday and continued until Thursday morning.
Three platoons of Police Patrol Units (Sabhara) and the Mobile Brigade, plus additional troops from NTB Police have been deployed to the site of the incident, which is about five kilometers away from Mataram or 11 kilometers away from the coastal resort area of Senggigi.
An additional three military platoons are also ready to back up the police, Wira Bhakti Military Resort Commander Col. Soeseno said as quoted by Antara later in the day.
Officer Tri further revealed that details on the other eight fatalities have not yet been received. "Both camps are still being reticent on the matter, but we're trying to identify them."
It is customary for warring villages in Lombok to hide casualties after a fray apparently to cover the losses.
The melee broke out after four residents of Parampuan village were ambushed by thugs from Bongor, a neighboring hamlet.
The neighboring villages are located in different districts, Bongor is in Gerung district while Parampuan village is in Labuapi district.
"The four were riding a Cidomo (horse cart) when they were intercepted. Parampuan villagers heard about the incident and stormed Bongor village, damaging several houses and killing a local in the process," she said.
Police received reports about the incident around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and managed to curb further violence until early Thursday.
"But at 5:05 a.m. Thursday fresh clashes broke out and the two camps attacked each other with homemade guns, machetes and other traditional weapons," the officer said.
At least eight people were killed in the confrontation on Thursday.
Tension still gripped the warring villages on Thursday evening. Villagers of Bongor led by M. Yahya grouped their traditional security guards Pamswakarsa Amphibi to meet NTB Deputy Police Chief Comr. Fachruddin Bakar earlier in the day to discuss the incident.
"We will not be arrogant or retaliate for their (Parampuan villagers) actions leading to the death of Helmi (on Wednesday) ... we'll leave the matter to the police," Yahya said as quoted by the news agency.
Early last month, one person was killed in clashes between residents of the two villages, in which Bongor villagers accused a resident of Parampuan of stealing a radio communications unit belonging to a Bongor neighborhood security guard.
Head of NTB Police Detective Adjutant to Chief Comr. I Gusti Kesuma further said that the incident had not affected tourist activities in the Senggigi coastal area.
"Luckily all troops are available as they are still overseeing security for the post festive season. We also have alerted the intelligence unit to monitor the situation," Kesuma said.
NTB Police chief Brig. Gen. Jonny Yodjana and Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Willem Theodorus Da Costa urged people to calm down and not to be easily provoked.
"We have reported the matter to the Bali Police and are coordinating with them so anytime we need back up, they'll be ready," Yodjana said as quoted by the news agency.
A duty officer at Sheraton Hotel in Senggigi, however, said that the situation was normal on Thursday. "Everything is going on as usual here and the guests are fine," he said. (edt)