People run amok after race banned

JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of spectators at a motorcycle street race ran amok Saturday as police tried to disperse them after banning the race.

Eyewitnesses said the people threw stones at police and burned the sheet metal fences along the Bintara toll road in Bekasi, about 30 kilometers east of the capital.

Kompas reported that traffic had been disrupted for several minutes before the crowd dispersed.

"Yes, there was violence. But nobody was hurt and police controlled the situation soon after the incident erupted. Things are under control, now," a police sergeant said.

The officer said street racing could endanger other motorists who used the section of the road, which had not been officially opened. (sur)