Inp.polri.go.id - Batam. The Riau Islands Regional Police and the Barelang Sub-Regional City Police arrested 43 individuals suspected of involvement in violence against officers and vandalism during a demonstration in front of the Batam BP Office on Monday (11/9). "28 people were arrested by Barelang Sub-Regional City Police and 15 others by Riau Islands Regional Police," said Police Senior Superintendent Nugroho Tri Nuryanto, the Chief of Barelang Sub-Regional City Police, in Batam, Riau Islands, on Tuesday (12/9/23). Barelang Sub-regional Police oversees Batam, Rempang and Galang islands, Following their arrest, the individuals, mostly men, underwent urine tests to ensure they were not under the influence of drugs or other illegal substances during the demonstration. Five tested positive for drug use, with three testing positive for marijuana and two for crystal methamphetamine. The plan to relocate 16 Kampung Tua locations on Rempang Island, Batam City, was met with strong opposition from the local community. Thousands of residents joined a peaceful demonstration on Monday (11/9) to voice their rejection. However, the situation escalated into chaos, resulting in significant damage to the BP Batam Office's fence and glass, as protesters grew increasingly emotional. This incident led to injuries among several officers who were struck by stones and iron. The police chief reported that a total of 22 joint personnel were injured, including 17 police officers, three Satpol PP personnel, and two BP Batam security personnel. Two of them required hospital treatment, with one undergoing surgery due to their injuries from the thrown objects. (ar/inp/pr/nm)