Six arrested in West Timor riot

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): Six people have been arrested on charges of inciting a riot Monday in Kafemananu, West Timor, 200 kilometers east of here, police said yesterday.

East Nusa Tenggara police inspector Colonel Taufik S. said 19 people, including three police officers, were injured and a market burned down in the riot Monday night.

Two hundred migrants from Java and South Sulawesi who were working at a construction site belonging to PT Adhi Karya had since sought refuge at the local police and military stations, Taufik said.

The riot began when a group of youths attacked 16 workers from Atambua who had just arrived at the site in Kafemananu. The 16 were still in hospital yesterday.

Shortly after the attack, about 200 people raided the market and set fire to it, Antara news agency reported.

The migrant workers fled to the police and military station Tuesday morning.

Sources at Kefamenanu hospital said the conditions of the 16 workers were stable. One of the injured police officers was identified as First Lieutenant Aloysius.

Officials in Kupang said the authorities were still wondering what had caused the incident.

Many shops remained closed in Kafemananu yesterday. Police and soldiers were seen on the streets to maintain order. (yac/pan)