Warehouses gutted as fishermen run amok

MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Approximately 1,000 rampaging fishermen looted and burned down two warehouses in the port of Gabion Belawan, 25 kilometers from Medan, on Tuesday.

No fatalities were reported in the incident, which occurred at about midday, but dozens of injuries were reported.

The cause of the incident is unclear, but there is speculation that fishermen and local residents ran amok after siding with a local fisherman in a heated argument with one of the warehouse caretakers.

The warehouse, owned by PT Karya Agung, was used to store fishing equipment and fish on their way to market.

At least four fire engines were sent from Medan to help put out the fire, however, they initially had trouble reaching the port, as the mob had blocked the street 500 meters before the warehouse and pelted the firemen who tried to pass with stones.

One fire engine was left stranded when it was attacked by the mob. Its windows were broken and the firemen were forced to flee.

There were unconfirmed reports that another building was also set ablaze and about 12 fishing boats were either damaged or burned.

Several Police Mobile Brigade companies were dispatched to the scene, however, they found it difficult to control the mob.

Witnesses said police were forced to fire warning shots to disperse the crowd and stop them attacking other buildings.

At least one fisherman was seen being rushed to a nearby hospital, after being hit in the waist by a stray bullet.

Police were finally able to control the crowd after 3 p.m., and are now conducting an investigation into the matter.

According to several residents, tension had been brewing for sometime, as the fishermen had been feeling increasingly frustrated with their poverty and with having to compete with large modern trawlers owned by wealthy businessmen. (39)