Tensions Rise in Tual, Maluku, as Two Villages Clash, Police Chief Injured

Tensions flared in Tual, Maluku, as clashes broke out between residents of Fiditan Baru and Fiditan Lama villages, located in the Dullah Utara sub-district, on Tuesday (24th February).

The conflict began when residents of the two neighbouring villages gathered at their shared border at 16:59 WIT, before engaging in a violent confrontation using bows and arrows, machetes, and Molotov cocktails.

In response, the Deputy Chief of Police for Tual, Kompol Roni F Manawan, along with riot control personnel, were dispatched to the scene to quell the unrest. However, the situation escalated, prompting the police to resort to firing tear gas.

The Chief of Police for Tual, AKBP Whansi Des Asmoro, then took command of the operation. While attempting to mediate the dispute between the villagers, Asmoro was struck by an arrow in the left knee.

In addition to Asmoro, a 19-year-old resident of Fiditan Kampung Baru was also reported to have sustained injuries to his leg.

“Both individuals were immediately evacuated to the Karel Sadsuitubun Regional Hospital for medical treatment,” stated the Head of Public Relations for the Maluku Police, Kombes Rositah Umasugi, in a written statement.

Reinforcements from the Yon C Pelopor unit of the Maluku Police Mobile Brigade were deployed to secure the two locations where the clashes occurred.

The situation eventually calmed down around 18:10 WIT, with residents from both villages returning to their respective homes.

Although the situation is now reported as being under control, security forces remain on standby to ensure continued stability and prevent any potential provocations.

As a follow-up, a meeting was held involving representatives from the military, police, village government, and youth groups from the two conflicting villages. The meeting aimed to improve communication, de-escalate tensions, and find peaceful solutions through dialogue.

“Currently, the situation in the Fiditan area, or the village border, is being monitored and is under control. Authorities, along with community leaders, continue to adopt a humanistic approach to maintain stability and foster social harmony in the city of Tual,” Rositah added.