Tribal war in Mimika continues, death toll reaches eight

The tribal war which started Monday (Oct. 15) has so far killed three members of the Amungme and five of the Dani and Damal tribes, Yosias Lossu, head of Tembagapura Distric, said.

In their war, the tribesmen use traditional weapons such as bows and arrows, machetes and rocks.

"We have coordinated with the Tembagapura and Mimika police to stop the tribal war. We have also coordinated with Papua police to safeguard PT Preeport. However, the tribal war has continued until now because the conflicting parties refuse to make peace," he said.

According to Lossu, Mimika Police Chief Senior Adjunct Commissioner Godhelp Mansnembra and Mimika Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) Chairman Yosef Kilangin had arrived in Tembagapura to persuade the conflicting parties to end the fighting but they were unable to reach the scene due to the ongoing war.