49 arrested after concert

JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested at least 49 people, mostly students and jobless youths, for their alleged involvement in a massive brawl during a Slank rock concert Wednesday in Bekasi Stadium, an officer said yesterday.

Bekasi Police chief Lt. Col. Adjie Rustam Ramdja said the 49 suspects were detained after police questioned them and several other people about the fray, in which nine students were badly injured.

"The 49 suspects, mainly students and jobless youths, were caught red-handed carrying sharp weapons and blunt objects," Adjie said.

Some violence erupted reportedly after a group of students wishing to buy tickets became upset when they realized they could not afford the Rp 7,500 entrance fee.

Police said the crowd outside the ticket office began throwing rocks at the stadium at about 1 p.m.

"That's why I hastily told the organizers to open the stadium gate to let the students get in an attempt to avoid any serious problems," Adjie recalled.

The concert, he said, went smoothly until 5 p.m., when some students and youths clashed in the Kranji area, about four kilometers from the stadium.

Some violence reportedly occurred in the stadium soon after.

Up to 400 policemen were deployed to secure the area.

After the fray, police found 20 sharp weapons left behind in the stadium, 30 sharp weapons in Kranji and 50 more from the 49 men arrested, he said.

The unrest caused heavy traffic congestion in the area.

Adjie said he would temporarily ban any similar performances in Bekasi.

"The organizers of the Slank concert received a permit but they underestimated the number of visitors.

"It's a precious lesson for the future," Adjie said.

The nine injured students are currently being treated at Bekasi General Hospital, he said. (edt)