Tribal clashes erupt in eastern Indonesia due to offensive ringtone

2010-11-18 21:56:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAYAPURA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- Three people were arrested on Thursday after an 'offensive ringtone' led to tribal violence in the eastern region of Indonesia that resulted in dozens of homes and motorcycles being set on fire.

Hundreds of members of the Wamena and Yoka tribe in Jayapura, Papua clashed violently with bows, axes, and air-pressure rifles, burning 23 homes, 12 motorcycles and two cars, while damaging another 56 homes.

According to reports, an offensive reggae beat ringtone had been circulating among the Yoka tribe in which it allegedly contained insulting lyrics directed at the Wamena tribe. The Wamena tribe retaliated by conducting a planned attack Wednesday morning.

Dozens of local police officers arrived and fired warning shots in the air, which stopped the clashes.

No deaths were reported, but tribal clashes in Papua are not uncommon as indigenous traditions protect dignity and cultural territory. The ringtone had been described as "humiliating."

In addition, tribal groups often participate in violent war rituals to resolve disputes.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-11-18

You have gotta be kidding? Tribal clashes about cell phones? They live in thatched roofed humpies and have cell phones, and are still referred to as tribal? <deleted>!