Batam returns to normal

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)