W. Sumba death toll rises to 26

W. Sumba death toll rises to 26

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: The toll in the killing spree in
last week's clash on West Sumba has risen to 26, of which 25 have
been identified and returned to their families, while one
remained unidentified, Regent Rudolf Malo said on Friday.

The unidentified victim would reportedly be buried by the
local administration.

"I feel so upset that a big number of people have become
victims," Malo said, crying in front of 100 local public figures.
He urged West Sumba people to struggle for a better future by
creating peace and safety in the land.

Head of people's peace team, A.A. Yewangoe, said that the
clash, which led to the many dead, was caused by rumors that one
of the Wewewa Timur people was murdered at Waikabubak market.

Local religious leaders, including Wateebula Bishop Mgr. G.
Kherubim Parera SVD, Sumba Christian Church Rev. Tanggaba and
Rev. Petrus Malo, head of Sumba chapter of Indonesian Ulemas
Council A. Effendi have issued a joint statement condemning the
clash.

The clash was also believed to have been sparked by anger,
following suspicions that recruitment for jobs in the bureaucracy
was rigged.

However, it was also linked to ethnic resentment between the
Loli and the Wewewa Timur tribes.

Local police chief Col. Engkesman R. Hillep said on Saturday
that all the victims were from Waikabubak. (ind/yac)