Ethnic clashes in Batam claim more fatalities

JAKARTA (JP): Violent clashes between public transportation drivers from the Batak and Flores ethnic groups continued in Batam on Thursday evening, claiming at least three more lives following 11 fatalities on Wednesday, a local journalist said.

Hasan from the Riau Pos said Thursday's violence erupted at local market Pasar Pagi Jodoh when many people gathered at nearby coffee shops to watch the nationally televised speech of politician Megawati Soekarnoputri.

The crowd was shocked by a quarrel between the two groups of drivers who were competing for passengers. The brawl quickly degenerated into large-scale unrest, with the people ignoring a police warning to disperse, Hasan said.

Hasan quoted a police source as saying at least three more people were killed in the latest clash.

"We do not know the exact number of victims because the police have not made an official announcement," the journalist told The Jakarta Post.

Antara said nine were killed and seven others were seriously injured, mostly from sharp weapons. But Batam Police chief Lt. Col. D.A. Wibawa confirmed 11 victims during the riot on Wednesday, which erupted when drivers from the two ethnic groups quarreled as they competed for passengers in Muka Kuning subdistrict.

The fight spread to nearby slum areas of Pandan Wangi, Batu Aji, Kampung Agas, Sekupang and Tanah Longsor, the police chief said. Wibawa could not be reached for confirmation of Thursday's clash.

The initial clash between the two groups of drivers broke out on Sunday, killing one in Buralimar area. On Monday, two more people were killed there.

Antara reported hundreds of people fled their homes following the violence, with many of them now sheltered at the local police station. Police also detained four people suspected of inciting the unrest.

"Shops closed and streets were deserted soon after today's brawl," Hasan said.

A meeting between representatives of the two ethnic groups and the local administration on Thursday failed to reach a truce.

Batam authorities have appealed to the central government to restrict the number of poorly educated migrants in the industrial island, which is a half-hour boat ride from Singapore. (prb)