(Kupang, 22nd) Indonesia and Timor-Leste will jointly investigate the recent shooting incident near the border, in which an Indonesian citizen was shot and killed inside Timorese territory.
Head of Public Relations for the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Police, Inspector General Henie Novika Chandra, stated that the case involves sensitive cross-border issues and must be handled carefully to ensure respect for the judicial jurisdictions of both countries.
He said that the Indonesian police would continue to follow up on the case through diplomatic channels, as the incident occurred within Timor-Leste. “We are coordinating through diplomatic means to obtain comprehensive and accurate information. The Wullau Police District’s Criminal Investigation Unit has also launched an investigation and mobilized the East Tasifeto Police Station for assistance.”
He also called on the public not to illegally cross the border so as not to endanger regional stability or trigger similar incidents in the future.
Assistant Chief Commissioner of Wullau Police District, Astawa, pointed out that despite the shooting incident, the local situation remains stable, and urged border residents and the victim’s family to remain calm and avoid breaching the law as a result of provocation.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed earlier that the Indonesian Embassy in Dili has coordinated with local authorities in Timor-Leste.
Preliminary investigations show the deceased, identified by the initials ATB, along with 19 other Indonesians, illegally entered about 3 kilometers inside Timor-Leste’s territory on the 16th of this month to hunt wild animals.
The hunting party split into four groups for the operation. Shortly after, gunshots were heard. The remaining hunters gradually returned to the border, but ATB failed to rejoin the group. His body was found the next day with gunshot wounds.
The family refused to allow an autopsy on the deceased and buried him themselves, resulting in hindered progress for the investigation.