Cikupa clash ends peacefully

JAKARTA (JP): A clash between long-time residents and newcomers at Telagasari village in Cikupa, Tangerang, ended peacefully yesterday thanks to a meeting arranged by local military officers.

The two parties hugged each other and apologized during the meeting led by Tangerang Military District chief Lt. Col. Karseno.

They all agreed to help repair the houses and other property damaged in the incident that started Saturday and ended Sunday.

"It's just a misunderstanding," said a local religious leader, who also attended the meeting at the military office.

Two people were wounded and 22 houses were destroyed in the incident.

Police have questioned at least four people in the case.

The clash started after the native villagers caught a newcomer stealing clothes in the neighborhood Friday.

Most newcomers are factory workers who rent houses in the neighborhood.

The villagers beat-up the suspect, identified as On, 17, and sent him to Cikupa Police subprecinct.

But On's family and friends who rent houses in a nearby neighborhood unit went to the villagers' houses to ask what was going on.

The newcomers went home after arguing with the villagers.

The local residents followed throwing stones and burning the newcomers' houses.

Over 100 newcomers fled their houses to escape the attack. (jun/cst)