TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Police have moved and secured a number of asylum seekers from Sudan after a conflict raised during snacks distribution on Thursday, August 22. The Sudanese people forcibly occupied the street in front of the ex-Kodim building, a temporary place set for the refugees.

West Jakarta Immigration Detention Center head Morina Harahap said on Thursday that the measure aimed at preventing recurrence of the incident.

Morina said she and the local police continued to coordinate in dealing with the situation today. “We ask for public understanding on this because there is no other way,” she said.

Morina explained there was no available room for refugees in Resort Police and the immigration detention center (rudenim). So they were placed on the sidewalk under police and immigration officers’ tight monitoring.

Clashes between asylum seekers have arisen many times. Back in July, they fought over clean water distribution.

Based on Tempo's observation in the location, Thursday’s clash emerged after those from Sudan protested the snack distribution system handled by the officers and coordinators from Afghanistan.

They attacked other refugees from Afghanistan and also used iron pole taken after tearing down the tents. Other refugees also engaged in the fights by throwing stones.

The police strived to calm down the situation and even fired two bullets into the air. In this incident, several asylum seekers sustained injuries.

MUH HALWI