English news : Tension in Tarakan City, One Dead

Clashes between groups of local people took place in Tarakan, East Kalimantan, yesterday morning. One person was reportedly dead during the incident. The East Kalimantan Regional Police’s Public Relations Chief, Comm. Wisnu Sutirta said the victim’s name was Abdullah, 50 years old.


Wisnu said the police is still investigating the incident at the scene in Juata Kerikil, Tarakan. “According to the last report from the Tarakan Police, nine people have been detained and no suspects named yet,” he said.


To anticipate a bigger clash, the Tarakan Police have requested back up from the Indonesian Army in Tarakan. The East Kalimantan Regional Police personnel as well as the Mobile Brigade have been sent to Tarakan.


According to local leader Sofyan Asnawie, as of 8 PM last night, the city was still tense. The Indonesian Army and the Police are still on stand-by in a few areas where possible conflict may happen.

Sofyan said the clash happened following a quarrel over money, which turned into a gang battle. The incident killed one person and badly injured another.


“They were father and son. The father died and the son had to be hospitalized,” Sofyan said.


As a result of the incident, Sofyan said, hundreds of angry friends of the victims burnt four homes in Juata Kerikil. They are now chasing after the perpetrators.

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