Papua Merchants Close Skouw Border Market

Jayapura (Antara Bali) - Several merchants in Skouw border market in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea borderline are still closing their shanties due to fear after the shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday (April 16) and Thursday.

The shooting incident by the unknown armed person occurred on Wednesday after the reopening of border fence.

Several traders in Skouw admitted to re-open their shanties in the market on Thursday after closing the market post the previous shooting incident between Indonesian Military soldiers and armed group in the border.

The Wednesday shooting claimed the life of a trader, Herry, who was waiting in his car after being shot in his right hand.

"The Wednesday and Thursday morning shooting incidents forced us to not continue with the trading activities in the market," the coordinator for Skouw Market, Ahmed, stated here on Thursday.

Ahmed cannot assure when the merchants will be ready to re-open their shanties in the market until the situation is safe.

"We cannot assure when they will open the market. It depends on the traders," Ahmed asserted.

The Skouw border market is located 400 meters from neutral zone between the two countries.

The traders hold the market activity three days a week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Hundreds of PNG citizens in Sandaun Province cross the border to buy daily needs and electronic devices in the Skouw market. (WDY)