The Jakarta Post, March 12, 2007
Tribal violence in Papua leaves nine dead
Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura
Nine people have been killed and hundreds of others injured in tribal violence in
Sugapa district in Paniai regency, Papua, the provincial deputy police chief said
Sunday.
Brig. Gen. Max D Aer said the violence, which has been focused in Yoparu village,
was sparked by the death of a local teacher named Hendrikus Sani, 30.
The man's family, who are from the Sani clan, believed Hendrikus was poisoned,
using a substance called Minaba, by members of the Kobogau clan.
The Sani clan then demanded the traditional penalty of a "head for a head". That
demand was rejected and the violence began on Jan. 21.
Police in Sugapa, with the help of traditional and religious leaders, were able to get
the two clans to agree to end the hostilities on Feb. 8, Max said.
However, that agreement lasted only until Feb. 26 when members of the two clans
fought each other with bows and arrows and knives. The violence has since continued
despite the efforts of authorities.
On March 3, an officer with the Sugapa Police, Second Brig. Yafet Turembi, was shot
by an arrow, Max said.
The officer survived the injury and was transported to Nabire Hospital in Nabire for
treatment.
Four of the nine dead were from the Sani clan. They have been identified as Hendrikus
Sani, 30; Yan Sani, 30; Rafael Sani, 35; and Niko Sani, 50. Another 20 members of
the clan were seriously wounded in the fighting, and another 30 suffered minor
injuries.
Five members of the Kobogau clan have died in the violence. They are Alfons
Kobogau, 36; Herman Kobogau, 11; Enos Jegeseni, 28; Boka Kobogau, 38; and
Daniel Kobogau, 40. Twelve clan members suffered serious injuries and 92 minor
injuries.
Max said Paniai Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Anthon Diance had traveled to the area to
encourage the two sides to end the violence.
Yoparu is far from the nearest police station and the village can only be reached by
foot. Communication between the village and the outside is difficult, so Max was
unable to provide more detailed information on the clashes.
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