JAKARTA, Nov 1 – A jetty made of mixed concrete and wood in Maluku province collapsed on Wednesday afternoon during a local election campaign, resulting in the deaths of eight people and injuries to 11 others.
The incident occurred at 4.30 pm local time in Hatta, Banda Islands, as a group, led by one of the candidates, Andi Munaswir, was on their way to campaign for the upcoming elections.
According to Central Maluku Police, Andi and his team had just disembarked from a speedboat and were crossing the jetty to engage with villagers when part of the structure suddenly gave way.
“Shortly after, the jetty collapsed,” said spokesperson Inspector Antony Kolauw in a statement Thursday.
The group had been welcomed with a traditional dance by the community just moments before the incident.
As the jetty collapsed, Andi, his entourage, and supporters fell into the sea, with him sustaining minor injuries while several others were trapped under the debris.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the incident.
Indonesia is set to hold simultaneous regional head elections on Nov 27, which include elections for governors, regents and mayors.
