Bandits extort, beat motorists

JAMBI, Jambi: A group of youths claiming to be repairing damage across the eastern road bordering Jambi and Riau have reportedly extorted Rp 10,000 from every passing motorist.

Antara quoted on Sunday a public transportation driver, Nasrul, who said he was beaten a number of times for failing to pay the young men.

The damaged stretch of road in the Srensen village, 150 kilometers from Jambi, was covered with wooden planks.