Apriadi Gunawan, Medan – The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has confirmed the April 26 riot in Mandailing Natal regency, North Sumatra, was violent and has recommended those involved be criminally investigated.

"We recommend the residents and police personnel involved in the incident be processed through the proper legal channels," Jhoni Nelson Simanjuntak, a commission member in charge of monitoring and investigation affairs, told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

The incident stemmed from rivalries between two groups of residents, one from Lingga Bayu district and the other from Natal district over the plasma field at PT Perkebunan Sumatera Utara.

People from Natal felt they were being sidelined even though the plant is located in their district. The police personnel broke up the conflict, but residents proceeded to vent their anger on public facilities.

Jhoni said the residents burnt PT Perkebunan Sumatera Utara's property and assets and damaged the police's office. The police arrest of some residents the following morning has also been criticized for violating human rights.

Jhoni met with North Sumatra Police Deputy chief Brig. Gen. Syafruddin and his staff on Monday to discuss the riot, which caused Rp 2 billion in damage.

The Natal people said they were angry because they were not involved in the establishment of the new district, which motivated them destroy some of the company's property and assets.

Jhoni, however, said that there was an indication of third party involvement in the riot. "These are all related to the upcoming regional election, but the commission does not have the authority to investigate such an issue," he said.

Mandailing Natal regency is scheduled to go to the polls in September.

Deputy Police chief Brig. Gen. Syafruddin, said the North Sumatra Police would look into the findings by the human rights commission.