18 arrested over political riot

JAKARTA: Police said on Friday that they had arrested a total of 18 people allegedly involved in a violent clash prior to last month's regency election in Nias, North Sumatra.

The suspects were accused of instigating the Nov. 28 attack on the Teluk Dalam district head's office, National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Aryanto Boedihardjo told the press here on Friday.

Around 500 people stoned the building and clashed with police as they protested against the holding of the election two days before the vote. At least five people were injured in the incident.

The South Nias Police later arrested some of the protesters for questioning.

"One of them, with the initials HM, is believed to have instigated the riot, and we are questioning the suspects to obtain more information on their motives," Aryanto said. --JP