Top Stories This Week: Viral School Demolition Threat to Brimob Stabbing
The controversy over the alleged demolition of SDN Wolomoni in Ende for the construction of a Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP), a tragedy involving a father suspected of killing his child before hanging himself in East Manggarai, and the stabbing of four Brimob officers in Labuan Bajo were the three events that most seized public attention in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) over the past week.
A video showing TNI personnel and heavy equipment in the area of SDN Wolomoni, Niowula Village, Detusoko District, Ende, went viral on social media. The school was reportedly about to be demolished for the construction of the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP). The Head of the NTT Cooperatives and SMEs Office, Linus Lusi, stressed that the KDMP construction must not sacrifice educational facilities. According to him, the local government must find another location if there is a conflict with school assets. Meanwhile, Ende Police Chief Iptu Mahmud Deran revealed that the construction site was initially designated by the village head without coordination with the school, triggering opposition. Kodam IX/Udayana later denied any school demolition. Kapendam IX/Udayana Colonel Inf Amrizal Nasution explained that the incident occurred when an excavator was about to pass through to the KDMP construction site behind the school. He said technical adjustments were made due to the narrow road access, and all work has now been temporarily halted.
Residents of Golo Lero Village, Lamba Leda Timur District, East Manggarai, were shocked by the discovery of the bodies of YD (34) and his son, AD. Police suspect YD first killed his child by smothering him before taking his own life using a rope inside their home. East Manggarai Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head Iptu Ahmad Zacky Shodri revealed that the post-mortem results showed AD died from a lack of oxygen, while YD was confirmed to have died by hanging. Police suspect the act was triggered by family problems. At the time of the incident, YD was known to be facing a divorce lawsuit from his wife and had been living apart for a long time.
A brawl between Brimob officers from the NTT Regional Police and several TNI AD soldiers in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, ended in the stabbing of four Brimob officers. NTT Police Public Relations Head Kombes Henry Novika Chandra explained that the incident began when Brimob officers attended a celebration for a colleague’s inauguration on Wednesday night (10/6). After midnight, a misunderstanding occurred that led to an argument and the stabbing. Four Brimob officers suffered stab wounds to the back. Three victims are still undergoing treatment, while one victim was allowed to return home after receiving medical care. Kodam IX/Udayana stated that the alleged involvement of TNI AD members is still under investigation. The TNI confirmed it will take firm action if soldiers are found to be proven involved in the incident.