July 30, 2016•Update: July 30, 2016
By Ainur Rohmah
TUBAN, Indonesia
Police are urging people in a north Sumatran town to remain calm after a night of religious unrest was sparked by a complaint to a mosque about the volume of its speakers.
The incident saw two monasteries and eight temples damaged in downtown Tanjung Balai, but no injuries were reported.
Local Police Chief Adjunct Commissioner Ayep Wahyu Gunawan said Saturday that the seven remained in custody, after a mob took to the streets following a complaint from a 41-year-old Chinese woman -- known only as "M" -- at a mosque near his house about the volume of the azan (call to prayer).
"Seven people were arrested for looting. They are still being questioned," Gunawan was quoted as saying by detik.com.
"There was a mass anarchist action. There are several buildings of monasteries and temples burned."
He said that police were coordinating with religious and community leaders to address the unrest and urged the public to remain calm.
The woman is reported to have returned home shortly after visiting the mosque, only to be joined by the mosque caretaker who travelled to her home to discuss the protest.
With a crowd building and the atmosphere becoming heated, M and her husband were given shelter at a local police station.
After word spread on social media, several groups assembled in front of M's house and tried to burn it down.
Police personnel are reported to have then stopped them setting fire to a local temple, only for the mob to attack the building with bricks and stones.
Other Buddhist buildings were then also attacked.
Police have said they will hold a meeting to discuss the unrest with local government, religious leaders, community leaders, ethnic leaders, and the local Ulema Council.
Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation, but it also has a sizeable Buddhist minority -- many of whom are Chinese.
