Two Villages Clash in East Flores, Regency Government Mediates Separately

The East Flores Regency Government, Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), has again stepped in to quell clashes between two villages in East Adonara District. Mediation was conducted separately for residents of the two villages on Friday night (6 March 2026), after the conflict escalated, causing houses to burn and several people to be injured. Vice Regent Ignasius Boli Uran said the local government had previously mediated the two villages on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the Flores Timur Regency Office, urging both sides to show restraint during Ramadan and the pre-Lenten period for Catholics. However the clash continued on Friday morning (6 March 2026), prompting renewed engagement with the two sides. “And it has happened. We are disappointed. The government has again met each party separately in hopes of keeping the situation calm during religious observances,” Ignasius Boli Uran told detikBali on Saturday (7 March 2026). He expressed hope that the renewed government contact would ease tensions. “We have learned from experience, be patient, praise be to God, so far it is good,” he added. Two Victims Undergoing Surgery Meanwhile, two victims of the inter-village clash underwent operations at the Regional General Hospital (RSUD) dr. Hendrikus Fernandez Larantuka on Saturday morning. Director Gregorius Bato Koten said the two patients, referred from Ile Boleng Community Health Center (Puskesmas Ile Boleng), were operated on to remove projectiles from improvised weapons that had hit their necks and thighs. “The operations were planned for 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.,” he added, noting the patients from Waiburak were in stable condition. The hospital said the patients were in stable condition. Police Deploy 107 Personnel Police Chief of Flores Timur AKBP Adhitya Octorio Putra said officers quickly deployed to the scene to control the situation and prevent the conflict from spreading. “Flores Timur Police together with Adonara Timur Police Station secured the site and used persuasive outreach to the community to maintain calm,” AKBP Adhitya said. Police stationed personnel at several vulnerable points to prevent mass movement from both groups. Authorities also engaged with adat (customary) leaders, community figures, and village governments to resolve the issue through dialogue and deliberation. The police are also recording material losses from the clash; six buildings were damaged or burned, including one copra warehouse, two commercial units (car wash and hair salon), and three residences. “Material losses are being documented by authorities and local government,” he said. Adhitya urged the public to exercise restraint to avoid further escalation. “We urge all residents to maintain safety and order. Entrust the resolution of this matter to authorities and the local government through channels of dialogue and deliberation,” he said. Land Dispute Triggers Clashes Previously, a customary land dispute between Narasaosina and Waiburak villages erupted on Friday morning. The clashes damaged six houses and caused five residents to suffer gunshot wounds. Video and photo footage showed smoke from fires rising into the air as residents fled on the streets. Traffic to Waiwerang Market was disrupted. A total of 107 personnel from the TNI and Polri were deployed to secure the scene.