Angry market traders tear down coronavirus road block in Indonesia

Angry market traders tear down coronavirus road block in Indonesia

Furious market traders tore down a coronavirus road block in Indonesia.

The metal barrier was put up by a Covid-19 task force around the Payakumbuh Market, West Sumatra, on Friday (May 22) Food vendors reacted angrily as it blocked their customers.

A veiled woman tore down the fence followed by dozens more furious workers who joined her.

Payakumbuh Police Chief, Adjunct Senior Commissioner of Police Dony Setiawan confirmed that the incident happened in the Payakumbuh Market.

"It happened at 4:30 pm, this afternoon," Dony said.

The unrest was blamed on tensions between the market traders and the police, who were attempting to reduce the amount of traffic in the area.

"The barrier was not to prohibit traders from entering the market, but to reduce the density of vehicle parking," said Dony.

The police also mediated with representatives of the traders and the coronavirus handling task force officers.

They later resolved the situation.

The Indonesian government has not banned traditional food markets but social distancing guidelines are enforced and in some cities, there are restrictions on opening hours.

Visitors and traders are also required to use masks.