Antique trader killed

JAKARTA (JP): Police have identified three men who allegedly stabbed to death an antique goods trader in front of his friend's house on Jl. Kalibaru Timur, Senin district, in Central Jakarta.

Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira said that the three men are known as notorious hoodlums in the Senen area.

"We have identified them and are now hunting them," Abubakar said yesterday.

Dadang Iskandar, the victim, was discussing business with a friend when the hoodlums came to ask him for money on Saturday night.

The victim gave the men Rp 10,000 (US$4.27), but the men asked more.

They allegedly stabbed Dadang for refusing to give them more money. The victim was stabbed in the back and the neck.

The three escaped, leaving the victim lying on the floor.

Dadang's friend, Syamsul, took the victim to Islamic Hospital on Jl. Cempaka Putih in Central Jakarta.

The hospital, however, sent the victim to the Cipto Mangunkusumo general hospital for his severe injuries.

Dadang, who was a resident of Jl. Cipinang Muara, East Jakarta died on the way to Cipto Mangunkusomo hospital. (jun)