In this picture taken on September 11, 2023, protesters run as police use tear gas during a demonstration against an economic zone that would displace around 7,500 people in Indonesia’s Riau Islands. Photo: AFP
The growing presence of mining companies on Indonesia's main islands has caused riots and clashes in recent years over poor working conditions and land encroachment. Community activists had organised a march to demand compensation over gold mining activity in their area by PT Puncak Emas Tani Sejahtera, a subsidiary of PT Merdeka Copper Gold which oversees the Pani Gold Project mine.
After the mayor's office was set on fire, protesters headed to the local parliament to stage an other demonstration, where the building was also damaged, according to reports."They will be questioned regarding the violent demonstration that ended in the destruction of several facilities including the burning of Pohuwato mayor's office," he said.