Police arrest 21-year-old student over attack on Dutch tourist

Manokwari, W Papua (ANTARA) - Police in Manokwari, West Papua, arrested a 21-year-old university student early Tuesday on suspicion of assaulting Dutch national Yunus Deniz.

Adjunct Commissioner Agung Gumara Samosir, head of the criminal investigation unit at Manokwari City Police, said a special team and a rapid-response unit tracked down the suspect at his hiding place.

“We arrested the suspect early this morning. He is still a university student in Manokwari,” Agung told reporters on Tuesday.

Agung said the incident occurred on Sunday, October 25, when Deniz, his wife, and another Dutch national were just walking through a protected forest in Amban, West Manokwari District.

The suspect, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, attempted to stop and follow the three visitors to demand money.

An argument broke out after they ignored him, and he allegedly struck Deniz with a wooden stick.

“Deniz sustained a cut to his left ear and two bruises on his hand,” Agung said, adding that cases involving alleged assaults on foreign nationals were a police priority.

Police would strengthen coordination with immigration authorities to improve oversight and prevent similar incidents, he said. Investigators are gathering additional information and evidence to determine whether anyone else was involved.

The suspect, identified by the initials PH, faces charges under Article 466 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code, Law No. 1 of 2023.

“We have questioned the victim and his companion. All three foreign nationals were visiting Manokwari on tourist permits,” Agung said.

Separately, Regional Representative Council member Filep Wamafma said the assault warranted serious attention because it could damage West Papua’s reputation as a safe destination for foreign tourists.

He said the Indonesian government and relevant authorities were responsible for protecting foreign nationals holding valid immigration documents and ensuring that similar incidents did not recur.

“The incident could reduce the number of foreign tourists visiting West Papua and discourage others from coming,” Filep said.

Related news: Indonesian police hunt suspect in assault on Dutch tourist

Translator: Fransiskus SW, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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