Tiaka oilfield in Central Sulawesi, jointly operated by state-run Pertamina and Medco Tomori, has halted production since Monday, after some 30 protesters attacked and destroyed facilities in Tiaka island, oil and gas regulator BPMigas said on Tuesday.

Six wells and production facilities that produce 1,600 barrels of oil per day are being guarded by armed police and soldiers until the situation improves while ground staff and crew are being evacuated, Gde Pradnyana, BPMigas spokesman said in statement.

A company-owned ship is still being held by the protesters, who launched their assault via wooden boats with Molotov cocktails and machetes. The attacks started on Saturday but the situation was calm on Sunday before the latest attacks.