Warring groups end conflict

BATAM, Riau: Leaders of Batak and Flores ethnic groups involved in a recent clash which left 21 people dead and dozens others injured, signed a peace pact on Sunday night.

They slaughtered goats, pigs and cows, marking the end of their conflict, Antara reported.

The pact was signed by Benny Panjaitan and Rofinus Lorens, and was witnessed by local officials of the Batam municipality, Batam Autonomy Region, commander of the Batam District Military Command Lt. Col. Yul Aviandi, chief of the Barelang Batam Police Lt. Col. IGM Wibawa and some 10,000 spectators.

The two groups vowed there would be no more unrest.

The clash occurred following a dispute over parking lots (some reports said it was over control of a public transportation route) between two individuals from the two communities.