Batam returns to normal<\/p>\n
BATAM, Riau: Batam returned to normal after a series of
\nclashes which claimed dozens of lives and stopped people's daily
\nactivities, Antara reported on Monday.<\/p>\n
The situation began to improve after some 300 security
\npersonnel were deployed to the region after Batam Industrial
\nDevelopment Authority chief Ismeth Abdullah issued shoot-on-sight
\norders.<\/p>\n
The communal clashes started on Friday, following a dispute
\nbetween migrant Batak and Flores transportation drivers.<\/p>\n
The clash led to at least 15 deaths.<\/p>\n
According to the chairman of the provincial Chamber of
\nIndustry and Commerce, Asman Abnur, the unrest caused local
\nbusinessmen to halt their activities.<\/p>\n
\"They are worried about their safety,\" Abnur said.<\/p>\n
The riot damaged the region's image as a safe place to invest,
\nhe said. \"It will take a long time to restore the image (in)
\ninternational markets.\"<\/p>\n
The riots also caused a sharp drop in ferry passengers
\narriving at Sekupang International port from Singapore. Only five
\nto 10 passengers a day were seen since the clashes began,
\ncompared to dozens of passengers before the unrest.<\/p>\n
\"Visitors prefer to enter the territory through other ports
\nwhich are far from the center of the city,\" an official at the
\nport, Yanuar, said.<\/p>\n
Many tourists have canceled their trips to Batam, the agency
\nreported. (edt)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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