Tribesmen riot in Indonesian Papua after two killed when police opened fire

JAKARTA, Saturday, (AFP)

At least one person was killed in unrest following the death of a former local police chief in Indonesia's Papua, reports and witnesses said Saturday.

Yance Ikomou, a respected elder from a local tribe, died early Saturday, Detik.com news website reported, although it is not clear how.

Ikomou was arguing with a policeman at a police station after his son was reported to have been arrested for disturbing the peace after drinking.

During the argument, Ikomou "suddenly fell and was then rushed to the hospital where he later died," Papua police chief Max Donald told Detik.com.

The uncertainty over what caused his death angered his tribesmen and they attacked the police station.

Witnesses said police shot back, killing two tribesman, although police confirmed only one of the deaths and did not know his identity. Diaz Gwijangge, from local rights group the Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (Elsham), said "two men were killed after police opened fire to the tribespeople," confirming their names and which tribes they were from.

He said the town of Timika practically shut down after tribesmen went onto the streets in anger after the clash.

On Saturday afternoon about 500 tribesmen were gathered in a field demanding an explanation, Gwijangge said.

About 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the incident, an unresolved tribal war that began three weeks ago is still ongoing.

Under local tradition, peace can only be discussed after the number of deaths from the conflicting parties is equal or the killer's tribe pay a hefty fine of prized pigs and hold a feast to seal the peace.

Papua is believed to be home to more than 300 tribes that traditionally engage in elaborate war rituals to solve disputes.