Tension continues in Medan

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Tension continued on Wednesday in Medan as clients of a firm which promised quick profits surrounded its office building, demanding their investments.

Fire was seen in one part of the building and police fired warning shots. No injuries were reported.

Hundreds of clients of the Higam.Net firm set tires on fire on Tuesday in front of the company building. Traffic was again disrupted on Wednesday along Jl. Gatot Subroto near the building.

A client, F. Tanjung, said clients were confused and in despair. "If it is necessary, we will take the iron bars around the building and sell them to replace our money," he said.

A number of buildings where firms' which promise quick profits are located have been attacked by clients who say they were swindled into investing up to hundreds of millions of rupiah.

Tanjung said the firm had promised to return their money by Tuesday. He said since there were no signs of management meeting the promise, the clients tried to force the door open on Wednesday. (39/40)