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)