Workers clash with tribe members in Riau

PEKANBARU, Riau: Plantation workers and tribe members clashed on Saturday at an oil palm plantation in Balam Jaya subdistrict, Rokan Hilir regency, Riau province.

No fatalities were reported in the incident, Riau Police chief Brig. Gen. Deddy Komaruddin said on Saturday.

The clash occurred after some 1,000 Hamba Radja tribe members blocked access to the plantation, claiming the land the plantation was built on belonged to them.

About 4,000 employees of the plantation company, PT Ivomas, attempted to force the tribe members off the land on Saturday, leading to the clash.

The situation is now under police control. -- JP