Batam returns to normal

BATAM, Riau: Batam returned to normal after a series of clashes which claimed dozens of lives and stopped people's daily activities, Antara reported on Monday.

The situation began to improve after some 300 security personnel were deployed to the region after Batam Industrial Development Authority chief Ismeth Abdullah issued shoot-on-sight orders.

The communal clashes started on Friday, following a dispute between migrant Batak and Flores transportation drivers.

The clash led to at least 15 deaths.

According to the chairman of the provincial Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Asman Abnur, the unrest caused local businessmen to halt their activities.

"They are worried about their safety," Abnur said.

The riot damaged the region's image as a safe place to invest, he said. "It will take a long time to restore the image (in) international markets."

The riots also caused a sharp drop in ferry passengers arriving at Sekupang International port from Singapore. Only five to 10 passengers a day were seen since the clashes began, compared to dozens of passengers before the unrest.

"Visitors prefer to enter the territory through other ports which are far from the center of the city," an official at the port, Yanuar, said.

Many tourists have canceled their trips to Batam, the agency reported. (edt)