Bombing suspects caught in Madura

JAKARTA: Arrests have been made of two suspects in a car bombing that killed three and left five others injured in Pamekasan island in Madura on Saturday, Antara reported.

Lt. Col. Wahyudi, chief of the Pamekasan police precinct, said Sunday that the two suspects, now detained at the police precinct, were M, 30, and S, 45, both from Pamekasan regency.

Questioning was expected to reveal possible motivation for the bombing and the possibility of others' involvement, Wahyudi said.

The bombing occurred when the victims were returning by minibus after visiting their fellow villager in Sampang who was being treated at the Pamekasan General Hospital.

Fatalities were identified as Zainal Fatah, 30, an elementary school teacher, Murakib, 20, and Damanhuri, 48. The village head of Terrak, Muhammad Said, was among the survivors.

Wahyudi said that dozens of security personnel had been stationed in Terrak, the victims' village, to avoid possible reprisals against the suspects' families.

"We hope that the victims' families can endure their suffering and not seek revenge against the suspects and their families because it will make the situation worse," he said. (rms)