Witness Recalls Harrowing Situation in Wamena, Papua Riots
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1 October 2019 16:19 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ismail is a Jember, East Javan migrant who lives in Wamena, Papua. He recalls the harrowing experience of fleeing Wamena’s deadly riots on September 23, together with several other refugees.
Ismail says that the region of Pikey, Wamena, where he currently lives was initially not affected by the riots as it had been rejected by local residents.
However, arsons started to happen. Ismail says that the attacks caused local settlers to flee and take refuge at the Church in Pikey, which remains as one of the few buildings not subjected to protester’s attacks.
“The arsonists were not from Wamena but from surrounding areas such as Tiom and Nduga. This was confirmed by locals who assisted the refugees,” Ismail recalls on Tuesday, October 1.
He and a number of refugees are temporarily accommodated at the Yonif 751 Raider di Sentani military command in Sentani, Jayapura.
Moreover, he says that the settlers of Wamena together with the Church’s Priest helped protect around 300 people who are affected by the riots.
“We were saved by local Wamena residents and the Pikey Baptist Church Priest,” he says.
The rioters at the Church then forcefully collected mobile phones belonging to the people inside the Church. Ismail decided not to adhere to the rioters kept his phone, which he then used to contact a member of the 1702 Wamena military command and reported the hostage situation.
During the hostage, the rioters claimed they will let the people free after the military release five of their mates who are under custody.
He also recalls rescuing two children of a restaurant owner in Pikey and hid in a pigpen. As of now, with all valuables left behind, Ismail hopes to get the help that would enable him to flee Papua and return to his hometown of Jember.
So far, the government has confirmed 30 deaths caused by the massive scale riots by local armed groups.
ANTARA