President orders investigation into Batam violence

Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered National Police chief Gen. Bambang Hendarso Danuri and State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Sutanto to conduct an investigation into violence in Batam on Thursday.

The head of state expressed his “deep concern” about the riot and paid a full attention to the act of violence at the dockyard of shipbuilder PT Drydocks World Graha, which caused damages to two office buildings, a warehouse and 27 cars, presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha said.

“The President has instructed the police chief and the BIN chief to follow up the case. In a meeting at the vice presidential office today the President also wanted this issue to be discussed,” Julian told reporters on Friday.

Thousands of dock workers ran amok allegedly following a racist statement by an Indian supervisor which they deemed as offending. The local police have named the expatriate a suspect for allegedly expressing hatred.

Julian said the President asked for all parties to settle the issue accordingly to prevent the violence from spreading.

The government believes, however, the violent protest will not affect investment climate on the island and in the country. Material losses from the riot are believed to reach Rp 10 billion.