"The soldiers were sent to the site of the dispute at the request of the local government," Chief of the Wirasakti Military Command Post Major I Nyoman Arya said.Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian military (TNI) has sent a platoon of soldiers to Adonara island, East Nusa Tenggara province, to restore security after residents of two neighboring villages clashed over a land dispute, according to a military spokesman.
"The soldiers were sent to the site of the dispute at the request of the local government," Chief of the Wirasakti Military Command Post Major I Nyoman Arya said here on Thursday.
Tensions between the residents of Lewonara and Lewobunga villages in East Flores district erupted into violence on Tuesday after one side attacked the other and set fire to a number of houses and granaries.
"We have sent a platoon of soldiers from Maumere, which is close to East Flores. They have arrived in Adonara to assist the police`s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit in restoring order in the island," Nyoman stated.
However, he added, he was not sure how long the soldiers would need to be stationed in the island.
Meanwhile, East Flores Deputy District Head Valens Tukan said peace security had not been completely restored in the island, because the residents of Lewonara village refused to hold a dialogue over finding a solution to the land dispute.
He pointed out that a number of Brimob personnel from the neighbouring Maumere district were sent to the site of the dispute a day after the violence erupted.
"Indonesian military personnel are badly needed here because the tension still seems to be building up," Valens said.
"The clashes still continue. Normally they happen during the morning and evening. There must be enough security personnel to continuously monitor the movement of the residents," he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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