'Angkot' driver shot in abortive robbery

JAKARTA (JP): An angkot (public transportation minivan) driver was shot in the neck by two unidentified men during an attempted robbery early Monday on Jl. Ciledug Raya, South Jakarta.

Sawaluddin, 19, said he was driving alone in the vehicle plying the Kebayoran Lama market-Ciledug market route at about 1:30 a.m. when two men on a motorcycle blocked his way on Jl. Kreo.

He said he could not make out the identities of the two because one had a handkerchief tied around his face and the other pulled his cap over his face.

The men stopped their motorcycle about 20 meters from Sawaluddin's moving vehicle, he said. The man on the back jumped off and rushed toward him.

"He then pointed a gun at me and forced me to hand over the key to the ignition."

Sawaluddin smashed his door against the man, who fell down but fired at the driver.

The men fled after Sawaluddin shouted for help.

"The attempted robbery took place so quickly," he said.

Bleeding and with impaired vision, Sawaluddin drove to Jl. Masjid in Petukangan, which is about three kilometers from the scene.

His shocked colleagues rushed him to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital at 4 a.m. for treatment.

According to his aunt, Umi Amelia, Sawaluddin is responsible for his three younger brothers and his mentally ill mother. His father is deceased.

Umi said she spent Rp 800,000 to cover her nephew's medical expenses and expected to spend more for the doctor's bills. (01)