Arson at Aceh tourist resort

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Six cottages and three camping huts were set on fire by unidentified arsonists at the Cemara beach resort, Lhoknga district, about 15 kilometers west of Banda Aceh.

Lhoknga Police chief Lt. Supriatmono said the incident happened on Saturday at about 3:30 am.

Police have yet to identify a motive.

"We're concerned. Why would anybody burn these facilities?" he remarked.

Police found a kerosene-dipped rag, a smoldering cigarette butt and safety matches which were believed to have been used to start the fire.

The resort's night guard, M. Yusuf, said he was asleep and was not aware of any suspicious activities before the fire occurred.

Antara on Sunday quoted sources as saying there was an anonymous phone call which warned about the fire.

The blaze caused an estimated Rp 70 million in losses but no casualties were reported.

Another cottage and three huts were saved by firefighters who rushed to the scene. (05)