Bekasi lost Rp 25b in riots

BEKASI (JP): The May 14 massive rioting in the mayoralty caused a loss of about Rp 25 billion ($2.5 million), administration spokesman Cecep Sutandi says.

The estimate does not include the value of goods looted from numerous shops and homes. It is an estimate of losses incurred by the attack and burning of buildings and public facilities, Cecep said.

Facilities damaged or burned down were six shopping centers, 15 minimarkets, 567 shops, seven car showrooms, two motorcycle showrooms, 24 bank offices, four restaurants, eight traffic lights and two hotels.

Forty cars, one truck and four motorcycles were also damaged or burned in the rioting, Cecep said as reported by Antara.

Bekasi Mayor Nonon Sonthanie has called on shop owners to reopen, assuring that the city is now safe.

"The (Bekasi) police and military chiefs guarantee their security," Cecep said.

The mayoralty has said that owners of damaged or destroyed shops who want to rebuild will not need permits to do so. (pan)