Church Attacked, There Are Allegations of KNPB Involvement in the Yahukimo Riot

Direskrimum Papuan Police Kombes Faizal Ramadhani, said the riot in Yahukimo Regency on Sunday (3/10/2021) was suspected to be involved in the West Papua National Committee (KNPB).

After the action, as many as 52 people have been arrested because they are strongly suspected of being the perpetrators of attacks on residents of Dekai District.

From the arrests, continued Faizal, suspicions emerged of the involvement of the KNPB in the riot.

The chronology of the chaos began when residents who were carrying out worship at the Gidi Dekai Church, Dekai District, were suddenly attacked on Sunday afternoon at around 12:10 WIT.

This group of people carried out attacks using traditional weapons in the form of arrows and machetes.

"During this action, a group of people also burned the houses of residents and the Nuri II Hotel, to the Bambu Dua housing complex," said Faizal.

In addition to the victims who died in the riots, there were also residents who suffered injuries. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Yahukimo Hospital.

Previously, it was reported that two residents had died in the incident, but as of Monday morning, the number of victims had increased to six people.

Of the six victims who died, one of them is suspected of being the perpetrator of the attack.

"There are six people who died, one of whom is suspected of being the perpetrator of the attack. All the bodies are still buried in the Yahukimo Hospital," said Faizal when contacted by telephone, Sunday (3/10/2021).

According to Faizal, currently people are afraid because they are afraid that there will be chaos again. Therefore, they are currently taking refuge at the local police station.

"Around a thousand residents are currently taking shelter at the Yahukimo Police Station," said Faizal.

It was suspected that the motive for the rioting was triggered by the death of former Yahukimo Regent Abock Busup at a hotel in Jakarta.

"Initially it was like that (because of the death of the former Yahukimo Regent), we are currently investigating," said Faizal.

SOURCE: https://indonesiatimur.id/2021/10/05/church-diserang-ada-dugaan-keterlibatan-knpb-dalam-kerusuhan-yahukimo/