Two people were killed and 10 others injured after a clash linked to a long-running land dispute on Setokok Island in Batam, Indonesia.
The confrontation took place on Sept 14 near Barelang Bridge III and involved two groups disputing control of a 77-hectare plot of land.
The two people who died were identified as Heri Ndondo and Edi Palue, both security guards associated with a group supporting tenant farmers from East Nusa Tenggara.
The dispute involves competing claims over the land. Tenant farmers say they have cultivated the area for decades and hold documents supporting their claim. Other parties, including companies linked to the site, have also asserted rights over the property.
Police said the land dispute had existed for some time and that previous mediation efforts had failed to resolve the disagreement.
Investigators initially detained six people following the clash. By Sept 15, police had named three suspects after questioning 16 witnesses.
Police allege that two of the suspects were involved in using air rifles during the confrontation, while another allegedly carried a sharp weapon and encouraged others to attack.
Authorities seized two air rifles, a spear and a mobile phone as part of the investigation. Police said they were continuing to examine whether other people were involved.
The incident prompted increased security around the area, with personnel from the Barelang city police, the Riau Islands regional police and the military deployed following the violence.
Police have stressed that the clash was caused by the land dispute and was not related to ethnic, religious or racial tensions.
The case has renewed attention on unresolved land conflicts in Batam, where competing claims involving residents, businesses and development authorities can create lengthy disputes over land ownership and use.
Authorities said the investigation would continue and that further suspects could be processed if evidence establishes their involvement.
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