TTU |LINTASTIMOR.ID]- East Nusa Tenggara — Indonesian authorities are investigating a violent clash on the Indonesia–Timor Leste border in Inbate Village, Timor Tengah Utara.
Police have questioned 24 witnesses and collected evidence, including eight bullet casings and one long-barrel projectile, caliber 5.4 mm.
The incident left one villager, Paulus Oki, injured. He was taken to Kefamenanu Regional Hospital for intensive treatment and a forensic examination.
“We cannot yet confirm whether the wounds were caused by gunfire. We must wait for the forensic doctor’s report before drawing any conclusions,” said TTU Police Chief AKBP Eliana Papote on Tuesday.
Papote urged residents to remain calm.
“I call on the community to control their emotions. Let us entrust the process to the police and the Indonesian military, who are coordinating with Timor Leste’s security forces in accordance with standard procedures,” she said.
The disputed area, according to Inbate Village Head Matias Eko, has long been farmland for local residents.
“This land has fed our people for generations. If no boundary markers were built at this disputed location, there would have been no violence,” he stated.
Local communities have asked both governments to halt construction of border markers in contested areas until an official agreement is reached.
Authorities from both sides are expected to continue dialogue to prevent further escalation and ensure stability along the border.
