Jayawijaya Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Tonny Ananda Swadaya said here on Sunday, the police has intensified security in the region following the riots in Wamena, the capital city of Jayawijaya District, on September 23 that claimed 33 lives.
"But we failed to anticipate this incident. Certainly we will hunt down the perpetrators," Swadaya said.
During the bloody riot on September 23, dozens of people were killed in Wouma.
"Traders in Wouma market have yet to return to their kiosks which were set ablaze during the riot. We do not know yet the motive behind the stabbing, but we are trying to reveal this case," he continued.
Following the incident, local residents have intensified patrolling in their neighborhood and armed themselves with sharp weapons.
The police has called residents to avoid provocation. "This is a criminal act, and the police will investigate the case thoroughly," Swadaya said.
Earlier in the day, Jayawijaya Deputy Police Chief Adjunct Commissioner Leonard Yoga said, the situation in Wamena has returned to normal following the incident.
"The situation in Wamena is conducive now," Yoga said in a short message to ANTARA.
The incident occurred in Wouma Bridge in Wamena, Jayawijaya at 3.20 p.m. local time on Saturday (Oct 12).
Six construction workers rode motorcycles to return to Wamena when two motorcyclists stabbed one of the workers identified as Deri Daru Padang, 30.
Padang fell from the motorcycle but he could arise and make report to the nearest police station in Wouma market. Padang was then rushed to Wamena Hospital before he died due to serious wound on his stomach.
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Translator: Marius Frisson Y, Sri Haryati
Editor: Suharto
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