The National Police said Monday that a clash between two local groups in Puncak regency, Papua, throughout Saturday and Sunday had killed 19 people, two more than the previous report.
National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Anton Bachrul Alam said the clash began when Simon Alom candidacy as regent was rejected by the Regional General Elections Commission (KPUD) on Saturday after Puncak Legislative Council Speaker Thomas Tabuni withdrew his support.
“Simon supporters were angry and attacked Thomas supporters,” he said as quoted by kompas.com.
Police officers attempted to stop the clash, but both groups ignored the officers and kept fighting using arrows and stones, he added.
However, he said the situation on Monday was under control. Police have sent a platoon to monitor the clash location.