"I ask that the riot be investigated. Reports about it are still uncertain. We are still waiting for official reports," the minister said here on Thursday.
He said he had received unofficial reports about the rioting in Manokwari. Local police are still looking into it and will soon make arrest of the culprit for the stabbing of Manokwari resident Vijay Paus-paus.
The minister said rioting in Manokwari was triggered by a drunken man, who attacked and destroyed a food stall. Further investigation is still to be carried out to disclose the real problem behind it.
"We have to investigate it first. We heard that there was a drunken man, who caused damage to the food stall, then an incident followed. That thing can happen anytime," Wiranto said.
Clashes took place in Manokwari on Wednesday (October 26), which lasted until Thursday morning. Several people became victims. Two persons suffered from a gunshot injury. A local military commandant, Major Suhargono was maltreated.
"There are six victims. Two suffered from gunshots, of which one died named Onisimus Rumayon. But I am confident he died not because of the gun fire," West Papua Regional Police Chief Brig. Gen. Royke Lumowa, said.
Royke explained the stabbing incident of Vijay began when he and his friends were not able to pay for the rice he was buying. Vijay was chased because he was causing unrest at the food stall.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
