(6 May 1998) Natural Sound

Hundreds of people have gone on the rampage in the Indonesian city of Medan for the third day running in protests at government-decreed price increases.

Police, who had initially backed away from a standoff with the rioters later fired tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to ward off the looters attacking Chinese-owned shops.

Police were out in force in Medan after two days of rioting left a trail of debris throughout the city.

Despite being equipped with armoured cars the police initially backed away from confrontation with the angry crowds.

Once the police had left the area, the crowds went on the rampage.

Rioters hurled stones at passing cars and smashed showroom windows, dragging out motorcycles and setting them afire.

More and more motorcycles were added to the flames as people vented their frustration at government-decreed price increases.

Ethnic Chinese owned shops were hit by stones and improvised missiles.

Indonesia’s Chinese minority, which dominates commerce in the mostly Muslim nation of 200 million, is often targeted when social discontent boils over.

Looters made the most of the chaos and broke into shops and warehouses making off with stolen goods.

Police closed a toll road leading into Medan, fearing that people from neighbouring towns might converge on the city to join in the riots.

They said there was looting in two towns near Medan.

Activity was slow at Medan’s port as many trucks carrying goods
stayed off the streets because of the violence

Medan, Indonesia’s third-largest city, is the trading hub in a major palm oil, rubber and coffee-producing region.

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