The Jakarta Post

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Batam land dispute ends in two deaths, 10 injured after clash

The clash was believed to be precipitated by a conflict over a 77-hectare plot of land.

Fadli (The Jakarta Post)
Premium
Batam
Wed, September 16, 2026

Change text size

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
A tactical vehicle from the Mobile Brigade's Gegana Unit is on standby during a readiness roll call on Sept. 14 at Batam, Rempang and Galang (Barelang) City Police headquarters in Batam city, Riau Islands. The roll call was held following a deadly clash on Setokok Island killing two and injuring 10 people. A tactical vehicle from the Mobile Brigade's Gegana Unit is on standby during a readiness roll call on Sept. 14 at Batam, Rempang and Galang (Barelang) City Police headquarters in Batam city, Riau Islands. The roll call was held following a deadly clash on Setokok Island killing two and injuring 10 people. (JP/Fadli)

T

wo people were left dead and 10 people injured after a land dispute triggered a clash involving air rifles and sharp weapons in Setokok area, Barelang Bridge III in Batam city, Riau Islands, on Monday afternoon.  

The dead are identified as Heri Ndondo and Edi Palue, both working as security guards and affiliated with a group that assisted tenant farmers from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). They fought with a local group identified as the Sea Eagles, allegedly led a figure named Suherman.

The clash was believed to be sparked by a land possession dispute over a 77-hectare plot of land. The tenants, through their lawyer, Abdullah Yusuf, claimed that they had cultivated the land for decades and had a land statement letter (SKT).

On the other hand, their claim overlaps with possession claims made by PT SAT Bangun Sukses (SAT BS) and a location designation (PL) document issued by the Batam Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam) for PT MIG Perkasa Industri (MIG PI)

Police officers from Riau Islands Police and Batam, Rempang and Galang (Barelang) City Police as well as soldiers from the Military District Command (Kodim) 0316/Batam were deployed to secure the location, control the situation and arrest the perpetrators.

“The incident started with a land conflict that has been around for quite some time,” Barelang City Police chief Sr. Comr. Anggoro Wicaksoono told The Jakarta Post on Monday evening.

The Jakarta Post - Newsletter Icon

Morning Brief

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.

Delivered straight to your inbox three times weekly, this curated briefing provides a concise overview of the day's most important issues, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture and society.

By registering, you agree with The Jakarta Post's

Thank You

for signing up our newsletter!

Please check your email for your newsletter subscription.

View More Newsletter

“Barelang City Police and Riau Islands Police have tried various security and mediation efforts multiple times.”Anggoro said the dead victims and seven wounded men were from the first group while the second group reported three wounded victims.

to Read Full Story

  • Unlimited access to our web and app content
  • e-Post daily digital newspaper
  • No advertisements, no interruptions
  • Privileged access to our events and programs
  • Subscription to our newsletters
or

Purchase access to this article for

We accept

TJP - Visa
TJP - Mastercard
TJP - GoPay

Redirecting you to payment page

Pay per article

Batam land dispute ends in two deaths, 10 injured after clash

Rp 35,000 / article

1
Create your free account
By proceeding, you consent to the revised Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.
Already have an account?

2
  • Palmerat Barat No. 142-143
  • Central Jakarta
  • DKI Jakarta
  • Indonesia
  • 10270
  • +6283816779933
2
Total Rp 35,000

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.

Share options

Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!

Change text size options

Customize your reading experience by adjusting the text size to small, medium, or large—find what’s most comfortable for you.

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!

Continue in the app

Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.