Palopo riot suspects transferred to Makassar

Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar | | Wed, April 03 2013, 8:53 PM

Palopo police have transferred six riot suspects to the South Sulawesi Police detention centre in Makassar to focus on restoring order in Palopo after the riot.

“The suspects have been transferred allow Palopo police to focus on restoring security and pursuing other riot organizers who are still on the loose,” South Sulawesi Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Endi Sutendi said Wednesday.

Among the suspects transferred was one of the organizers of the riot, identified only as AT, who allegedly played significant role in provoking the mob to start fires in the mayor’s office and other buildings, after the results of the election of a new mayor were announced.

Palopo mayor’s office spokesman Ansir Ismu said the administration were still considering renovation of the damaged offices. The riot caused Rp 100 billion (US$10.3 million) of losses.

Thousands of people were dissatisfied with the announcement that the Judas Amir had won the mayoral race. The mob then set ablaze to office buildings, including the mayor’s office, the KPUD office and the Palopo Pos newspaper office.(nai/dic)