100 dead in clashes on Borneo

More than 100 people have died in inter-communal violence in the Indonesian part of Borneo.

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

He said there were several skirmishes and several houses were on fire.

Clashes between indigenous Dayaks and immigrants from other parts of Indonesia in Sampit, about 480 miles north east of Jakarta, first erupted on Sunday.

Hospital official Komaruddin Sukhemi said at least 51 bodies had been brought to the local mortuary 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 local resident in Sampit. "Please pray for us."

Enmity between the Dayaks and the migrants has often erupted into fierce brawls in the region. 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 General Suroyo Bimantoro said two battalions of police and soldiers had been dispatched to boost security in the region. A navy warship was also on its way to the area to help evacuate refugees.