The Jakarta Post, August 01, 2006
Peace talks fail to halt Papua violence
Markus Makur, The Jakarta Post, Timika
Three houses belonging to a tribal chief in Mimika regency, Papua, were burned down
Monday, as the violence between the Dani and Damal tribes continued despite
ongoing peace talks.
Much of the violence has been focused in the area of Kwamki Lama, near the giant PT
Freeport Indonesia gold and copper mine. Many residents in the area have locked up
their homes and fled to the town of Timika.
The razed homes belonged to the chief of the Dani tribe, Jefman Waker. No one was
injured in the attack.
Ten people have died and more than 200 have been wounded from the Dani and
Damal tribes since the violence began July 21.
According to most people here, the conflict began after the Dani tribe blamed the
Damal for the death of Nugi, the son of a Dani village head. However, there have been
reports that Nugi drowned in a river. A Damal man was killed while attending Nugi's
funeral, escalating the violence.
Antara news agency reported that activity at the Kwamki Lama market has resumed
since peace talks between the two tribes began Sunday. "The women are already
operating at the market," Mimika Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Jantje Jimmy Tuilan
said.
Tuilan said he was still mediating between the tribes, who earlier promised police to
end the violence Monday.
He said the families of victims had accepted compensation offers from the police and
local authorities, who promised the necessary rituals would be held for making peace.
The officer blamed Monday's violence on the chief of the Damal tribe, Elminus Moom,
who he said wanted to avenge the death of a relative.
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