Abepura's market collapses

JAKARTA (JP): A market building in Abepura, Irian Jaya, built to replace the one destroyed during the March 18 riot has collapsed, injuring dozens of people, Antara said yesterday.

The 80-square-meter market was built by the local public works office and military four days after the old one was torched by angry protesters.

Antara reported that the makeshift building made of timeworn wood with a zinc roof was intended to accommodate the traders before a permanent building was built.

Four people, including an off-duty soldier, were killed in the protest which was sparked by the authorities' refusal to let them view the body of Free Papua Movement activist Tom Wanggai, who died in a Jakarta prison and was flown home for burial.

About 100 traders lost their jobs, 16 people were seriously injured, dozens of buildings damaged and 25 cars and 15 motorcycles were destroyed in the riot. So far, 39 people have been detained and will be charged with inciting a riot.

Jayapura Mayor Raden Roemantyo said he regretted the Tuesday accident that caused so many injuries and promised to rebuild the market as traders have demanded.

With the old market leveled to the ground, many who traded in the market are now embroiled in a dispute over space ownership. The local government has called on them to refrain from violence to settle the conflict.

Some traders have erected makeshift stands and sell their goods near the Cendrawasih University, awaiting the reconstruction of the market. (pan)