2 killed as rival groups clash over a land dispute in Batam, Indonesia

The head of the Barelang City Police (Kapolresta Barelang), Senior Commissioner (Kombes Pol) Anggoro Wicaksono, has firmly stated that a deadly clash in the Setokok area of Batam on Monday (September 14, 2026) was purely a long-running land ownership dispute and had no connection to ethnic, religious, racial, or inter-group (SARA) issues.

The confrontation between two groups at the same disputed site left two people dead and about seven to ten others injured. Rumors circulating on social media had linked the violence to SARA tensions and claimed the victims were shot with firearms. Police have rejected both claims.

“We ensure that this incident is purely a land conflict and has nothing to do with SARA issues. We also emphasize that Batam City has not been placed under Siaga Satu (highest alert) status. The situation is currently conducive,” Anggoro said in Batam on Monday night.

Police say the dispute over the roughly 10-hectare plot has gone on for a considerable time. One party holds a management permit (PL) from BP Batam, while another company claims ownership of the land. Officers had previously attempted mediation on several occasions, but the situation escalated into mutual attacks when both groups were present at the location.

Authorities have secured the area to prevent further violence, conducted a crime scene investigation, and detained six people for questioning. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and develop the case. Initial findings indicate that air guns, not firearms, were used in the incident.

Police have urged the public not to be provoked by unverified information circulating online and stressed that the matter remains a criminal land dispute under active investigation. The situation in Batam has returned to normal, with security measures still in place in the Setokok area.