Unidentified men vandalize hotel

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)