TEMPO.CO, Jayapura - More people fell victims in regional election riot in Sugapa, capital of Intan Jaya district, Papua, taking place after vote counting on Thursday (23/2). Three of them were found dead.

In addition to the three victims, the riot also caused injury to around 90 people, Papua police spokesperson Commander Ahmad Kamal said on Saturday (25/02).

Commander Kamal added that the three dead victims including another one died on Thursday (23/2) right after the riot were responsible for the vandalism to the office of Intan Jaya General Election Commission.

Report accounted that both dead and injured victims were because of getting hit by arrows or attacked, and some were even hit by rocks. Some casualties were flown to Nabire to receive intensive treatment.

"30 Sugapa injured residents were evacuated to Nabire by using two planes namely Aviastar and Sky Air," Kombes Kamal said.

In order to maintain order, 30 officials of Bali Mobile Brigade previously assigned in Dogiay were retrieved to Sugapa.

Due to such an incident, it is still unknown when the vote counting will be continued. Intan Jaya General Elections put up four pairs of candidates which are Bartolomius Mirip-Deni Miagoni, Yulius Yapugau-Yunus Kalabetme, Natalis Tabuni-Robert Kobogoyau, and Thobias Zonggonau-Hermanus Mahoni.

EVARUKDIJATI | ANTARA