Body found in swamp

JAKARTA (JP): Police believe a decomposed lower body found by a cleaner in Tangerang, 26 km west of Jakarta, Sunday morning, was a local resident who had been missing for three months.

Jakarta Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamani Nata said on Monday the body had been identified as Mohammad Nur, aged 35, a construction worker from Jatiuwung subdistrict.

The cleaner, Hamdani, found the body when clearing a swamp filled with water plants near the Total Persada Raya housing complex in Jatiuwung.

"I was cleaning the swamp when I saw something strange near some water hyacinths," he said.

Taking a closer look, Hamdani said he saw human legs encased in trousers and tied with a rope.

"I was so afraid, I rushed to inform the police," Hamdani said.

Tangerang Police Precinct Chief Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said police were still looking for a motive for the murder and had questioned several people.

"The rest of the body has not been found yet," Iman said.

The swamp is cleaned daily by workers.

The victim's family had reported to police that he had been missing for three months.

Astayuda, an officer at Tangerang hospital's morgue said yesterday no-one had claimed the body. Based on the body's condition, he believed the victim was murdered at least a month ago. (05/jun)