Cilacap fray causes Rp 300m in losses

BANYUMAS, Central Java: Damage from last week's riot at a plantation belonging to PT Ciseru is estimated to run to about Rp 300 million, local police chief Col. Carel Risa Kotta said on Monday.

The melee broke out on Wednesday when hundreds of residents vented their frustration by looting the plantation and the factory.

Residents demanded that the land be turned over to them despite police assertions that it legally belonged to the company.

"So far we have arrested 38 alleged rioters in the incident. Their arrests are being processed at the Cilacap Police precinct," Carel said.

He claimed that preliminary investigations indicated a former member of the banned Indonesian Communist Party instigated the riot. (45/edt)