'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)