Unidentified men vandalize hotel

BATAM, Riau: A group of unidentified men, carrying sharp weapons and clubs in their hands, attacked the three-star Oasis Hotel at the Orchid Mas Center, Sei Jodoh, Batam on Thursday evening.

No fatalities were reported, but the group of around 15 people smashed the hotel's main door, accessories as well as the interior of the front part of the building.

The hotel public relations manager, Carolina Tarigan, confirmed the brutal actions. "The incident took place at 20:15 and lasted only some 15 minutes. The attackers did not steal anything."

Three taxis parked in front of the hotel were also damaged by the angry mob.

Carolina said she did not have any idea why the people attacked her hotel. She, however, assumed that the attackers were those who acted against M-2000 hotels located across from the Oasis Hotel.

Adj. Comr. Liner Sehite of the Barelang Police Precinct said several officers were posted at the hotel in case of further vandalism.

Carolina said that 110 of the total 210 rooms were occupied when the incident took place. "Only one guest checked out with heart problems after the incident."

Locals speculated that the attackers were a group of people who were against gambling. "I heard that the attackers targeted a gambling counter on the 3rd floor of the hotel," a local, who asked for anonymity, told The Jakarta Post. (26/sur)