Two killed in Army vs. Police gunfight

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Two members of the 611 Infantry Battalion were killed, while another two military officers and two police officers were seriously injured during a gunfight between soldiers and police officers in the district of Serui, Yapen Waropen regency in Irian Jaya, on Monday.

Irian Jaya Police chief Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika confirmed the clash on Tuesday, but said that he still had not been completely informed about the fatal incident.

"Both the police and military have stated their versions (of the incident) in their reports on the gunfight," he said.

According to the police version, he said, a policeman on a motorbike hit a pedestrian, which led to street fighting and gunfire.

"Another version said that a drunk officer of the Police's Mobile Brigade beat a civilian. This angered the Army members. That's why the incident started," he explained.

However, another source said that members of the Army, equipped with guns, attacked the Serui Police station soon after the downtown fight.

They destroyed part of the police headquarters and the precinct operation office, the source said. The police and the Army were described as being involved in a "war".

"The fact is that two Army members, Chief Sgt. Iko and First Pvt. Johansyah, were killed and two others, First Pvt. Wisnu and First Pvt. Junaidi, were seriously injured. Two police officers were also injured: Second Brig. Terianus Waramory was shot in the left side of his chest and Second Brig. Samuel Saleha suffered a stab wound in the back," Mangku Pastika said.

Mangku Pastika said it was difficult to uncover who had initiated the gunfight. "We deeply regret that such a humiliating incident occurred. This (sort of thing) must be stopped."

He said he would meet with Irian Jaya Military chief Maj. Gen. Mahidin Simbolon to help ease the tension.

Meanwhile, a group of about 150 armed people, believed to be members of the separatist Free Papua Movement, attacked the police subprecinct station in the district of Sarmi at noon on Monday.

Sarmi is 45 minutes west of Jayapura by plane.

Jayapura Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Daud J. Sihombing confirmed the incident, saying that four people, including two civilians and two rebels, were injured in the attack.

According to Daud, the attackers had previously planned to set fire to a gas station and market. "The police thwarted the plan," he said.

A platoon of the Police's Mobile Brigade officers from Jayapura has been deployed to maintain security in Sarmi. (35/sur)