Riot rocks Tegal

TEGAL, Central Java (JP): At least 40 shops, a gas station and numerous vehicles were burned when about 15,000 people were involved in a riot with police and military personnel in the Central Java town of Tegal yesterday.

The riot occurred when the demonstrators, who had assembled in the mayoralty office compound to demand the sacking of Mayor Zakir, were involved in a tussle with security personnel after being expelled from the compound.

Tegal Military District commander Col. Amirul Lanaeni declined to comment on the causes of the riot, while Tegal police chief Lt. Col. Tedjo Sularso only said that prior to the outbreak demonstrators were already throwing stones at security officers.

Sularso admitted that the demonstrators became angry when they were refused access to meet the mayoralty council to deliver their demand.

Sari Ali, an eyewitness, said that at least 80 were injured in the riot, seven seriously. (45/rms)