Dian Intannia, Jakarta – On Monday March 15, ten people from the Manggarai regency in the East Nusa Tenggara province were formally arrested as suspects in the attack on the Manggarai police station on March 10.

The ten suspects are local residents who are believed to be responsible for the attack which resulted in the death of five people. The ten are FC (36), PE (42), PQ (40), AG (41), YB (49), PS (24), YD  (30), NL (34), AA (35) and SH (33).

The deputy head of the public relations division from the Jakarta police headquarters, Brigadier General Soenarko, told journalists on Monday that arrest warrants have already been issued. However with regard to the articles under which they will be charged, police are still waiting for a report from the Manggarai police.

As well as the 10 suspects, seven other farmers are still being held for planting coffee in protected forests in Manggarai. It was the detention of these seven farmers which triggered the attack on the Manggarai police station.

Soenarko also explained that police are still waiting on the results of an internal investigation on the shooting by members of the Manggarai police of those who carried out the attack.

Meanwhile, with regard to conditions in Manggarai, Soenarko explained that the situation had returned to normal and election campaign activities are running according to schedule.

As reported earlier, following the incident, Manggarai police chief Deputy Superintendent Boni Fasius Tampoy was removed from his post on Friday and replaced by Deputy Superintendent Wasilan Robert. (gtp)

[Translated by James Balowski.]