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Body of woman killed in inter-village clash found
The body of a woman who was killed after two speedboats collided on Saturday off Haruku Island, Maluku, in an inter-village clash has been recovered, two days after the incident
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The body of a woman who was killed after two speedboats collided on Saturday off Haruku Island, Maluku, in an inter-village clash has been recovered, two days after the incident.
Asma Latupono's body was found on Monday, five kilometers from where she fell from the speedboat that was also carrying 11 other passengers.
"The remains of the victim were handed over to her family in Pelauw village and will be buried today," Maluku Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. J. Huwae said here Monday.
Eyewitness Jalil Talaou said he was steering his speedboat out of Tulehu village port in Ambon Island and heading to nearby Haruku Island's Pelauw village, at 6 p.m. on Saturday (4 p.m. in Jakarta). Thirty minute later, he said, he saw another speedboat, allegedly owned by a Kailolo villager, tailing him.
When passing the uninhabited Pombo Island, another speedboat, also allegedly owned by Kailolo villagers, rammed into Jalil's boat four times, capsizing it. Jalil suffered broken ribs in the incident and was thrown into the sea. Two other passengers, Faisal Lestaluhu and Fadly Lestaluhu, also suffered broken ribs. The other passengers escaped by jumping into the sea.
"We got hit badly. The left part of my boat was cracked. We tried to swim to the beach, but maybe Ibu Asma drowned," Jalil said.
The police have identified the two other speedboats, but have not yet named any suspects in the case.
"The investigation is still underway," Huwae said.
On Sunday, Maluku Governor Karel Albert Ralahalu and Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Mudji Waluyo visited the two villages on Sunday to try to ease the inter-village strife.
Mudji said the police would mete out harsh punishment to the perpetrators. He also pleaded for help from witnesses.
Governor Ralahalu called on Pelauw villagers not to retaliate.
"Please, let the police handle the case. The police chief has promised to solve it through due legal process," he said.
The police have sent an anti-terrorism squad to search Pombo Island, which is frequented by Kailolo villagers. The 150-square-meter island is a suspected storehouse for firearms and explosives for the villagers -- allegedly used during brawls between Pelauw and Kailolo villages -- but nothing has been found yet.
"The Maluku Police chief has issued instructions for a raid (on firearms and explosives). The operation will be conducted in Pelauw and Kailolo and will be assisted by Indonesian Military personnel," Huwae said.
