'Bajaj' passenger wounds driver

JAKARTA (JP): A bajaj (three-wheeled motorized pedicab) driver suffered thigh and severe hand wounds after a passenger slashed him with a sharp weapon in a fare dispute in Cempaka Baru, Central Jakarta, early on Thursday.

Local police identified the driver as Ahmad Jaelani, 25, a resident of Jl. Haji Ung in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, who became involved in an altercation with Noval Ashar, 27, of Jl. Sumur Batu Raya in Cempaka Baru.

Ahmad, whose fingers on one hand were nearly severed, is undergoing treatment at the Islamic Hospital in Central Jakarta.

According to the preliminary police investigation, Noval asked Ahmad, who was waiting for passengers at Kemayoran market, to drive him to his home at about 1 a.m.

"No tariff was agreed upon when the passenger got into the vehicle," city police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said.

After a 30-minute drive through the deserted streets, Ahmad stopped his vehicle near Noval's house.

Noval handed over some money for the ride, but the bajaj driver was dissatisfied. He said the amount was far less than the "usual" for the distance, the officer said.

Lubis could not clarify on the amount Noval paid nor the amount demanded by the driver.

"Ahmad insisted the passenger should give him more money but Noval refused," the officer said.

Noval then pulled out a sharp weapon, of a type yet to be identified, and threatened Ahmad.

"First they only argued about the unsettled fare but after Noval took out his weapon, Ahmad challenged him to a fight," Lubis said.

Police are looking into the possibility Noval was drunk, Lubis said.

Noval is in police detention for further questioning. (emf)