Twelve detained in Batam

BATAM, Riau: Barelang Police arrested 12 people suspected of their involvement in the recent ethnic conflict here which killed 18 people and injured dozens more, Antara reported on Saturday.

Local police chief Lt. Col. I.G.M. Wibawa said the suspects were being questioned and would be brought to court on charges of triggering the ethnic unrest.

The promise came amid reports that a further three unidentified bodies had been discovered. Police believe the three males were victims of the violence between members of the Batak and Flores ethnic groups here, who were fighting over the control of a public transportation route. (swe)