Six die in gang fight in Bengkulu

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Two platoons of police officers were deployed to a village in Bengkulu province on Sumatra island on Wednesday after at least six people were killed and two others injured in a machete fight.

The deadly clash erupted on Tuesday between residents of Pal VII village, Bermani Ulu subdistrict, Rejang Lebong regency, Antara reported.

It was not clear what caused the fight. Police are yet to determine which rival groups in the village were involved in the incident.

"We are still investigating the case," Rejang Lebong Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Budi Utomo was quoted as saying.

He said six people were being questioned as witnesses in connection with the incident, but none of them had been detained after the bloody brawl.

The dead were identified as Sukardi, 45, Arbani, 45, Bahirun, 41, Arison, 40, Sun Suhari, 45, and Kadirin.

Budi said the two wounded people were taken to the Curup General Hospital with stab wounds.