Ethnic clashes in Batam claim more fatalities

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)