Ethnic Clashes in Indonesian Borneo Leave 100 Dead

Clashes between rival ethnic groups in the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo have left more than 100 people dead, police said today.

Many of the dead were mutilated and at least 20 people were beheaded, said Sgt. Tigei, a police spokesman in the town of Sampit in Central Kalimantan province.

Clashes in Sampit between indigenous Dayaks and immigrants from other parts of Indonesia first erupted Sunday.

Hospital official Komaruddin Sukhemi said that at least 51 bodies had been brought to the local morgue in Sampit.

Hundreds of people were seeking shelter in the hospital complex and at police stations.

“There are many people on the streets,” said Umi, a resident of Sampit. “Please pray for us.”

Enmity between the Dayaks and the migrants has often erupted into fierce brawls. The fighting is often triggered by land disputes.

Hundreds of people have died in the past few years in a series of clashes.

National police chief Gen. Suroyo Bimantoro said extra police and soldiers had been dispatched to boost security in the region.