Wahyoe Boediwardhana, Sampang – A mob reportedly attacked and set fire to Tambelangan Police station in Madura, East Java, on Wednesday night following riots in Jakarta.
East Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Luki Hermawan explained that dozens of people arrived at the police station on Wednesday evening to confirm the news about the Madura leaders who had been trapped in an area in Jakarta when the riots took place.
The mob then began to riot there. They tried to attack police officers and inmates but the targets escaped through the back door.
"The attack was triggered by fake news," Luki said after visiting the remains of the station on Thursday together with East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa and Brawijaya Military commander Maj. Gen. R Wisnoe.
"We have identified the rioters and will soon take firm action against them," Luki added.
Deadly riots broke out in Jakarta shortly after supporters of losing presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the results of the April 17 election, which they claimed were plagued with fraud.
At least seven people had been killed during the worst riots to hit the capital since 1998 when a student rally demanding the ouster of then-president Soeharto led to a riot that killed thousands.
Prabowo won big in Madura, particularly in three regencies on the island, namely Pamekasan, Sampang and Sumenep. Incumbent Joko "Jokowi" Widodo only won in Bangkalan, the remaining regency on the island. (vny)