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)