Makassar a target for rioters: Police

Makassar a target for rioters: Police

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): South Sulawesi Police chief
Brig. Gen. Sofjan Jacob warned here that the provincial capital
of Makassar has become a target for rioters, after Jakarta and
other areas in the western part of the country.

"Makassar is the next target as this city is the center of
economic development in the eastern Indonesia. 'Certain people'
have so far engineered the riots and violent demonstrations in
Makassar," he said, without elaborating what he meant by 'certain
people'.

Sofjan cited as an example the sale of poisonous fish which
had killed at least nine people in the regency of Bulukumba, some
120 kilometers south of Makassar.

People in the province have been provoked by reports about
poisoned fish after nine people died and tens of others were
hospitalized after consuming the fish.

In the Jeneponto regency, 65 kilometers south of Makassar, a
man identified as Saso bin Satto (20) was mobbed to death last
week for 'spreading venom' through fish sold in the local market.

Deputy Jeneponto police chief Ass. Supt. Adi Darma regretted
the barbaric action, saying that Satto, a glue seller in the
market, died after suffering serious injuries to his body.

"No one can prove the poisoned fish allegations," Adi said.

The provincial office of the Food and Drug Control Agency has
yet to complete its investigation.

Sofjan reiterated that things could get out of hand if people
were not careful in the way they responded to certain social
developments.

"The prolonged wild street protests over the fuel price hike
and demands for Governor HZB Palaguna's resignation are part of
the big plan to create chaos in Makassar," Sofjan said.

He called on the people to join together and be more careful
in responding to issues. "In this way we will maintain security
and order in our city."

He said he had ordered his deputy Col. Jusuf Manggabarani to
be tough in handling riots, and asked the students to respect the
law in their demonstrations.

"Demonstrations are not prohibited. But please don't destroy
public facilities and places of religious worship or the police
will take stern measures," he said.

Recent street protests have rocked Makassar. At least four
cars were set ablaze by students, who also vandalized the
governor's office and detained civil servants. (27/37/sur)