Fitri R., Mataram – Hundreds of vendors and fishermen destroyed stalls and storage boxes at a market in Mataram, Lombok, on Friday to protest an influx of fish from outside the area that they said was threatening their livelihoods.

As the mob rampaged through the Kebon Roek traditional market in Ampenan, one person was heard shouting, "Burn them, so that they will no longer sell here."

The mob vented its wrath on stalls selling fish brought in from outside the area, mostly by traders from the east of the island and from the neighboring island of Sumbawa.

"We do not want to see fish from outside the west coast of Lombok and Mataram in Kebon Roek market. This only causes losses to us fishermen and fish traders," said Asnami, a protester.

Traders from outside the area bring anywhere from dozens to more than 100 boxes of fish to the market every day, and sell their products cheaper than the locals, he said.

Fish traders at the market said one box of locally caught fish usually sold for Rp 350,000 ($40), while a box from outside the region sold for about Rp 150,000.

It was not clear how many fish were in each box or the types of fish. Nurhasanah, a local vendor, said traders from outside the area began showing up at the market about a year ago.

Saharuddin, head of North Ampenan ward, said, "All these fish being brought in from outside, which are not particularly fresh anymore, has affected prices at the market and led to conflict."

Police quickly intervened and brought the situation at the market under control.

Muhardi, a trader from East Lombok, said he suffered losses of Rp 5 million on Friday.

Officials have imposed a temporary ban on the sale of fish from outside the area at the market.