Marketing office torched in clash

DEPOK (JP): A marketing office building in the Telaga Golf Sawangan housing complex here was torched Friday night when hundreds of nearby residents clashed with the complex's security guards, a police officer said Saturday.

Depok Police Chief Lt. Col. Fajar Prihantoro told The Jakarta Post that police had questioned Edi, 18, one of the residents involved in the clash.

The incident was apparently sparked by a heated argument over a woman between Edi and one of the security guards at a nearby food stall, Pudji said.

He said the guard was known to become easily upset.

"He threatened Edi with a sickle and called over five of his friends. Edi also called for backup and hundreds of nearby residents answered the call. The crowd then attacked the guards."

The guards reportedly ran toward the marketing office for protection.

"The crowd broke into the building in search of the guards, who had already fled. At about 11:30 p.m., a fire started to gut the building," Pudji said.

Police were still investigating the cause of the fire. Nobody has claimed responsibility. (edt)