JAKARTA, NETRALNEWS.COM - Dozens of people claiming to be on behalf of Tolikara Regent candidate John Tabo and Barnabas Weya have been arrested by the police for attacking the Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as causing injuries in the attack.

"15 people [were arrested]. We will use Article 170 of the Criminal Code on beatings, crime scenes in Ministry of Home Affairs in relation to the Tolikara elections," said Police Chief Commissioner Nico Afinta, Director of Criminal Investigation at Jakarta Metro Police on Wednesday (10/11/2017).

He said that due to the attack, there were parts of the building that were damaged, including broken windows. Several computers were also damaged.

Nico continued that after the incident, a joint team of the Jakarta Metro Police and Central Jakarta Police conducted sweeping, and arrested 15 people. Police are still in pursuit of other perpetrators, as well as seizing stones and broken glass as evidence.

When asked the identity of the victim who threw the stone, Nico can not explain in detail, because they are still examining the victim.

"So for the victims, we invite them to come to the office. Journalists who also fall victims to the attack should also report to the police,” he said.

To note, dozens of people who name themselves as ‘Barisan Merah Putih Tolikara’ attacked the Office of Ministry of Home Affairs at around 15:00.

Initially, prior to the attack, the masses demanded the endorsement of John Tabo-Barnabas Weya as the Regent-elect of the 2017 elections in Tolikara. Whereas previously scheduled, the supporters of the regent held a meeting with Soedarmo and the Director General of Regional Autonomy Soemarsono to discuss the 2017 Pilkada dispute in Tolikara, Papua, today.