The clash happened when a group of local farmers tried to stop military personnel from building fences on land claimed by both the Army and the civilian farmers near Urut Sewu beach by Brencong village in Bulupesantren district. The dispute has gone on for decades and is still not resolved.

The lawyer representing the farmers, Teguh Purnomo, confirmed the incident took place.

“It is true. We are still doing guidance and data collecting. So far, at least 16 farmers were wounded in the incident,” Teguh told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

To file legal reports, the farmers had undergone medical examinations in the Buluspesantren community health center.

“We regret that violence should happen. The root of the problem is the agrarian land conflict neglected by the government. The military should not make the decision to build a fence on people’s land and do violence,” Teguh said.

Meanwhile, the farmers' coordinator, Imam Zuhdi, claimed that one of the wounded had been shot with a rubber bullet.

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