Unrest Breaks Out in West Sumba; TNI Deployed After Police Headquarters Attacked
The situation around the West Sumba Police Headquarters in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) escalated following an attack and the destruction of police facilities by a mob on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
In response to the situation, dozens of TNI personnel from Kodim 1613/West Sumba and Yonif TP 930/Toda Tebi were deployed to strengthen security and assist in defusing tensions within the community.
Colonel Inf Amrizal Nasution, spokesperson for Kodam IX/Udayana, stated that the deployment of TNI personnel was carried out following a request from the West Sumba Police. He noted that the approach used prioritises communication and persuasive measures.
“Personnel from Kodim 1613/West Sumba are assisting with security at the request of the West Sumba Police, employing a persuasive approach and helping to calm the public to prevent the situation from escalating further,” he said in a press statement in Denpasar on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
TNI personnel have been stationed at several points, particularly around the West Sumba Police Headquarters and locations identified as potential gathering spots for crowds.
In addition to maintaining security, TNI soldiers are also engaging with local residents. The community has been urged to refrain from actions that could worsen the situation.
The presence of TNI personnel focuses on measured, humanistic, and persuasive steps, while remaining mindful of the safety of both citizens and officers.
The unrest originated from the death of a resident of Baliledo Village, Loli District, West Sumba, named Jowa Tana.
Jowa had previously been subject to police action during an operation regarding an alleged cattle theft.
According to initial information, the incident began when detectives from the West Sumba Police arrived at Jowa’s house on Tuesday morning. When officers entered the house, Jowa reportedly grabbed a sharp weapon, specifically a machete, and attempted to resist. He then fled towards the rear of the house.
Officers pursued him and reportedly fired three warning shots into the air. As Jowa continued to attempt his escape, officers fired a single shot aimed at his leg to incapacitate him. However, due to the victim’s movement while running and subsequently falling, the shot struck his right shoulder.
Jowa was subsequently taken for medical treatment, but he was eventually pronounced dead. On Tuesday afternoon, a crowd from Baliledo Village carried Jowa’s body to the West Sumba Police Headquarters.