Two Villages Clash Over Land in West Manggarai, Vehicles Torched
Two pickup trucks and three motorcycles were burned when hundreds of residents from Rareng and Mbehal villages clashed over a land dispute in Lengkong Warang, Tanjung Boleng Village, Boleng District, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Wednesday (29/7/2026). A number of huts were also damaged. There were no fatalities in the clash, which took place not far from Labuan Bajo.
Tensions began to rise from 06.30 Central Indonesian Time as crowds from both villages gathered on the disputed land. Verbal exchanges escalated into physical confrontation, triggering the burning of vehicles and vandalism around the scene of the incident.
Police moved quickly to cordon off and separate the crowds to prevent the clash from spreading.
“As soon as we received an emergency call from residents, we immediately deployed joint personnel to Lengkong Warang to cordon off the area and separate the crowds,” said the Chief of West Manggarai Police, AKBP Christian Kadang.
“At present, the situation at the clash site is gradually being brought under control, although personnel remain on standby under a high-alert status,” he added.
One platoon of joint personnel from West Manggarai Police and the local police station is on standby at a number of vulnerable points in Lengkong Warang to protect residents and ensure the situation remains conducive.
Christian called on customary leaders, community figures and residents from both sides to exercise restraint and cease all forms of anarchic action.
Although prioritising a persuasive approach to safeguard public security and order, West Manggarai Police emphasised that they will thoroughly investigate the criminal acts committed during the clash, particularly the arson and vandalism.
The Criminal Investigation Unit of West Manggarai Police has established police lines, carried out an initial crime scene examination, secured evidence, and inventoried material losses and casualties from the incident.
“West Manggarai Police will not tolerate any form of vigilante action or taking the law into one’s own hands. Anyone proven to have committed arson, property damage, or incitement of the crowds leading to violence will be processed firmly in accordance with the prevailing legal provisions,” Christian asserted.
To prevent follow-up clashes, West Manggarai Police, together with the West Manggarai District Government and the West Manggarai National Land Agency (BPN), are planning a mediation meeting by inviting representatives and community figures from both disputing parties.