Puji Santoso, Rokan Hilir – Protesters vandalized and set on fire three government cars on Tuesday evening during a violent protest to demand that the capital of Rokan Hilir regency, on Riau Island be moved to the town of Ujung Tanjung from Bagan Siapi-api.

No fatalities were reported during the incident, which ended on Tuesday evening after some 250 police personnel were deployed to Simpang Poros area, Bagan Siapi-api, where the protest took place.

Hundreds of protesters filled a street in Simpang Poros area on Tuesday morning where Rokan Hilir Regent Tamsyir Hasyim was set to meet them at 11 a.m. The meeting was part of an attempt to resolve the protesters' demand for the transfer of the capital from Bagan Siapi-api to Ujung Tanjung area.

However, the regent failed to turn up until the evening, sparking anger among the protesters. As the sun set, the protesters began to vandalize a car belonging to an official at nearby Rimba district. The protesters later vandalized two other cars belong to two other Rokan Hilir officials parked near the protest site. The three cars were then pushed into the middle of Jl. Simpang Poros and set on fire.

Hundreds of police personnel were quickly deployed to the area and forcefully dispersed the protesters, who were all Ujung Tanjung residents. Scuffles between the police and protesters broke out but no fatalities or injuries were reported. The situation was finally brought under control an hour later. Some 40 protesters were taken in for questioning, while others fled the area, said Rokan Hilir Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Wawan Darmawan on Wednesday. During the incident, the police confiscated 26 motorcycles, two cars and some sharp weapons belonging to the protesters, said Wawan.

The incident followed a protest held several days ago. The protesters argue that the town of Ujung Tanjung is located in the middle of Rokan Hilir regency making it the logical choice for regency capital, whereas Bagan Siapi-api is located by the beach.