Batam rioting claims two lives

Batam rioting claims two lives

Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam

Two men were killed in rioting involving 100 members of the
Barisan Brigade youth organization at a major taxi stand in
Batamindo Industrial Estate at Mukakuning on Batam island on
Tuesday night.

The victims were identified as Gomgom Nadapdap, 35, a food
vendor, and Gotma Sihombing, 24, a taxi middle man.

Head of the Barelang Police station Sr. Comr. Suhartono said
on Wednesday that the riot started when a member of the youth
organization was waiting for a taxi. A middle man asked him his
destination, to which he replied rudely. The middleman then
punched him.

A few hours later he returned with 100 Barisan Brigade
members, who ransacked food stalls and attacked taxi middle men.

The two victims, Nadapdap and Gomgom, were rushed to Otorita
Batam Hospital but died soon after arrival.

"We've arrested eight youth members allegedly involved in the
killings," explained Suhartono.

The police said riots occurred frequently in the industrial
complex. He said he had often called on local authorities to
build public facilities, including a bus terminal, and to issue
regulations against middle men.

He said the presence of middle men at the taxi stand had
caused much social unrest. Currently, there are around 200 middle
men working in three shifts.

The police, supported by 100 security guards of the Batamindo
Industrial Estate, have been put on alert.