'Bajaj' hero gets public recognition

'Bajaj' hero gets public recognition

JAKARTA (JP): Police handed a sum of money and a certificate
of appreciation to the wife of a bajaj (motorized pedicab) driver
who was killed while defending his passenger from being robbed on
May 9.

Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira
refused to reveal the amount, saying it came from the City Police
Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata, a North Jakarta businessman and an
education foundation called Yayasan Fatahilah.

"We thank the intrepid bajaj driver, Muchayat, for his
bravery. We hope that people will learn from him," Abubakar said,
handing over the reward to Muchayat's wife, Acih.

Acih was speechless during the emotional ceremony at the
Central Jakarta Police precinct yesterday. She burst into tears
while repeatedly thanking the police.

Muchayat was fatally stabbed by two men on Jl. Gunung Sahari
in Central Jakarta. The men wanted to rob his passenger, Vony
Rodiah.

The two suspects were arrested 30 hours after the killing.

The first suspect, Yandi Nardi Hendra, 40, believed to be the
killer, was picked up at 9 a.m. the following Saturday from his
home on Jl. M. Ali in Tanah Tinggi, Central Jakarta.

His accomplice, Ramdani, 24, was apprehended an hour later on
Jl. Kampung Rawa Sawah in Central Jakarta.(jun)