Police office spokesperson Sr. Comr. I Gede Sumerta said as quoted by Tribunnews.com on Tuesday that the suggestion was made because "they usually hold funeral processions, which could result in further incidents."

Gede continued that the police had asked the local government to contribute between Rp 15 million (US$1,500) and Rp 20 million to each of the 17 victims' families.

"This is truly not a tribal clash," he said. "However, the contribution is needed just for cooling down the situation."

Gede said that 11 of the deceased were female and six, one of them a juvenile, were male.

Police are currently questioning members of the event executive committee, ticket booth officer and boxing team supporters to determine who triggered the riot.

"We also probably will ask for an explanation from the Regent who allegedly permitted the spectators to enter the building without paying, which caused overcrowding," he said. The Kota Lama sport hall that was packed by 1,500 spectators, far exceeding of its capacity of 500 people.

The amateur boxing tournament in Nabire turned ugly on Sunday evening after the supporters of the losing boxer, Yulianus Pigome from Mawa Gym, ran amok against the supporters of the winning boxer, Alvius Rumkorem from Persada Gym.

When the clashing supporters began throwing chairs, the spectators tried to fled the sports hall, but there were only two exits. (fan)

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