Residents pelt electricity company office over blackouts

Local residents pelted stones at state power company PT PLN branch office in Tavaeli, Palu, Central Sulawesi, in protest over frequent blackouts last night.

Antara news agency reported that the incident started on Thursday afternoon when around 20 people entered the office and suddenly went into a rage and damaging the building.

Local police immediately deployed officers to prevent riot.

Norht Palu Police chief Adj. Comr. Saiful Mustafa told the agency Friday that the residents were apparently angry over the frequent blackouts that could last all day long.

“However, we are calling the residents to refrain from anarchy because it doesn't solve the problem, “ he said.

Dozens of police officers were still guarding the office on Friday.