Youth Group Clash in Tual, Maluku Leaves One Dead; Suspect Arrested

AMBON, KOMPAS.com - Two youth groups in Tual City, Maluku, clashed on Saturday (9/19/2026), resulting in the death of a young man identified by the initials RAR, who was hit by an arrow in the chest.

The victim was rushed to Karel Sadsuitubun Langgur Regional Hospital for medical treatment, but he did not survive.

The clash involved youth groups from Tembok Berlin Wara and Kompleks Pertamina and was initially triggered by a verbal dispute that escalated into a physical confrontation.

“It started with an argument and then escalated into mutual attacks using stones, sharp weapons, and arrows,” said Tual Police Chief AKBP Whansi Des Asmoro in a statement to reporters on Sunday (9/20/2026).

Asmoro explained that the conflict, which led to the fatality, happened around 1:15 a.m. Eastern Indonesian Time. During the clash, both youth groups attacked each other with arrows, stones, and blades.

According to him, police officers responded swiftly to the report and arrived at the scene to disperse the fighting groups.

“Officers immediately went to the location to break up the crowd. One person died after being struck by an arrow,” he said.

Suspect arrested

Asmoro said that after dispersing the two groups, the police conducted an investigation and succeeded in detaining one individual suspected of involvement in the clash.

The suspect is currently held at the Tual Police Headquarters for further questioning.

“Police managed to secure a suspect who has been brought to the Tual Police station for further investigation,” Asmoro stated.

He emphasized that the handling of the suspect would be based on facts and evidence uncovered during the investigation.

“This incident is a criminal act of assault resulting in death. The Tual Police acted quickly to secure the suspect and will professionally process the case based on the facts and available evidence,” he affirmed.

Regarding the incident, he urged the community, especially families and both groups involved, not to engage in retaliation or further violence that could escalate the problem and cause more casualties.

“We ask all residents to remain calm and not be provoked. Do not take retaliatory actions or enact vigilante justice. Leave the handling of this case to the Tual Police. They will work professionally, transparently, and in accordance with applicable laws,” he concluded.