Batam deserted after 13 killed in clashes

BATAM (Agencies): Batam Island remained calm despite prevailing tensions on Saturday following ethnic clashes that killed at least 14 people.

The cities were deserted while a number of armed military men stayed on guard. Even though many shops were not closed, most only opened their doors for a short time.

Schools were closed as rumors of possible fresh outbreaks of riots circulated.

"After consulting the Batam office of education and culture, we closed the school today because there were rumors that a certain ethnic group would attack another group," Nurlaili Zaini, head of a state elementary school, told Antara.

Melur beach, a popular tourist resort located 40 kilometers from the city of Batam, was closed. The area is usually packed by local and foreign visitors from Singapore.

Little activity was seen at Batamindo industrial estate, where about 90 foreign companies, mostly owned by Singaporeans, are located. About 160,000 people work on the estate and most are from Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, or of the Batak tribe from North Sumatra.

The two ethnic groups have clashed since Wednesday after public transport drivers from the Batak community attacked an area inhabited mainly by people from Flores, following a dispute over passengers two weeks earlier. Dozens of squatters quarters were burned down.

The residents were armed with machetes and other sharp weapons.

The Batam Industrial Authority's chief of security, Brig. Gen. Eric Watulo, threatened to shoot anyone who sparked more riots.

West Batam subdistrict chief Buralimar said the last violent incident took place on Friday.

"We still had clashes on Friday, especially in the Batu Aji area, but no one was killed. Today has been calm so far," he told AFP.

A flow of refugees from the two ethnic groups increased following the burning of dozens of squatter houses by rampaging mobs. Some took refuge at police stations.

Dozens of foreigners were seen departing from the Sekupang and Batu Ampar international seaports for Singapore.

Lt. Col. Yul Avianto, chief of the Batam Military Command, said on Saturday that 300 soldiers and some navy had arrived on the island.

"The situation improved after we confiscated sharp weapons from those on the streets," he said.

At least six people were shot by security personnel during the clashes and police arrested four people and confiscated sharp weapons, arrows and illegal drugs in connection with the fighting.

AP reported that many Singaporean companies who had businesses on Batam regularly sent employees on short retreats there as bonuses or incentives.