Truce signed in Batam hostilities

Truce signed in Batam hostilities

BATAM, Riau: Leaders of ethnic groups involved in bloody
clashes in Batam have pledged a truce, Antara reported.

Public transportation drivers from North Sumatra's Batak
ethnic group and West Nusa Tenggara's Flores ethnic group were
involved in fatal clashes on Wednesday which have caused at least
11 fatalities and injured dozens.

The fight descended into large-scale unrest, causing residents
to flee their homes and seek refuge in nearby police stations,
including in Barelang.

Witnessing the signing of Thursday's truce were the Batam
Industrial Authority's chief security officer Maj. Gen. Eric
Watulo and Batam's military chief Lt. Col. Yul Aviandi.

Officials said they were not sure if provocateurs were
involved in fomenting the unrest, but the investigation
continues.

The news agency also reported that dozens of houses in Batuaji
and Sagulung villages in West Batam subdistrict were set on fire
by several unidentified parties on Friday. (edt)