P

eople from Timika, Papua, currently taking refuge at the Toli military dorm in Polomo village, Sentani, Jayapura, have been advised to return home, as the provincial administration is ready to rebuild their homes, which were set ablaze during a recent communal conflict.

“Refugees in Sentani are now encouraged to return to Timika, as the situation is safe and the overall situation in Timika city is safe. Security personnel are maintaining security there,” said Deputy Regent Bassang in Jayapura on Tuesday.

The conflict between two groups in Timika, Bassang said, had ended and peace was restored on July 29.

Bassang said the conflict between tribal groups often took place in Timika, although opposing camps reached a peace deal by breaking arrows as a symbol of ending the conflict.

“The problem is the conflict was incidental. Despite making peace by breaking the arrow, it happened again and triggered a war, including rape and murder,” he said.