Abepura's market collapses

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)