Three Dead, 20 Homes Torched in Renewed Adonara Land Clash

A clash between residents of two villages in Adonara, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has claimed three lives and destroyed 20 homes. The conflict between Narasaosina Village and Waiburak Village erupted on Saturday morning (18/7/2026). The dispute between the two communities has been ongoing for a long time, triggered by an unresolved mutual claim over customary land ownership.

The East Flores Regency Government had previously mediated the case. Despite this, violence has continued. On 9 May, more than a dozen houses were burned down and seven residents were struck by projectiles, requiring hospital treatment.

East Flores Deputy Regent Ignasius Boli Uran confirmed the fatalities. “Three people died, two from Lewonara (Narasaosina Village) and one from Belle (Waiburak Village),” he said. Two victims were buried on Saturday, while the third, whose body was only recently recovered, is scheduled for burial on Sunday (19/7).

Flores Timur Police Public Relations Head AKP Eliezer A Kalelado stated that in addition to the three deaths, five people sustained minor injuries and 20 houses were set ablaze. He noted that data collection on casualties and property damage is still ongoing.

Amid the escalating conflict, nine students and two teachers were evacuated by sea from a campsite belonging to SMPN 1 Adonara Timur. Teacher Muhammad Sole Kadir explained that the students were supposed to attend a camp until Sunday but were sent home early for their safety. They were transported to Waiburak Village using wooden canoes.

A joint TNI-Polri security force remains on alert in the East Adonara area to maintain order following the clash. AKP Eliezer urged residents to remain calm, avoid provocation, and trust the authorities to handle the situation to ensure peace and stability in the region.