Merauke, Jubi – Talema Waitipo, a 19-year old resident of Maam area of Bade Sub-district, Mappi Regency was still being treated at Merauke Navy Hospital after being shot allegedly by a marine guarding PT. Dongeng Prabawa. The bullet hit him on the left right and right chest, while another victim, Yance Doga, was allegedly slashed in his hand by a bayonet.
A relative of the victim , Bernadus Wuka, told Jubi at the Navy Hospital on Monday (9/2) that some local residents witnessed both victims were apparently wounded by a marine who guarded around the area of PT. Dongeng Prabawa.
He explained the attack occurred on 8 February 2015 at around 03:00 AM. Both victims were previously taken to PT. Dongeng Prabawa’s clinic at Bade Sub-district but due to a lack of medical equipment, they were referred to Navy Hospital at Merauke.
“Currently they has gradually recovered, but they will still need further treatment for next several days, in particular Talema who got a gunshot. He still cannot speak well due to his injuries,” Wuka said.
Jubi was informed that a day before the incident, a resident celebrated a birthday party on 7 February 2015 with dancing and drinking until dawn. Affected by alcohol, some people started making noise and disputing against each other. Then some marines came to the scene to intervene them by shot a fire for warning but it didn’t work. They kept attacking instead.
Several hours later, the informer said the local residents came to the scene and find two injured residents. They were immediately taken to the clinic for help. But their families were angry and harmed the clinic facilities.
Separately, the Merauke XI Navy Commander Brigadier General Buyung Lalana told reporters in the press conference the incident was triggered by liquor during a party held in Maam area. Since this party was reportedly interrupting the local residents, the security force of military and police conducted a patrol, but people assumed their presence to disturb and invent the party.
“That’s right some people who already drunk started a riot. It enforced our member to open fire to the air. Initially it was them who started it,” he said.
He further admitted about the injured residents who were taken to the clinic.
“I has received the report that the victim wasn’t injured by the bullet,” he firmly said.
However, he promised to continue the further investigation. If the marines were arrogant, they would be punished accordingly. On the other hand, if the residents were arrogant and disturbed other people’s comfort, they obviously could not be tolerated. (Frans L Kobun/rom)
