Businessman killed in 'revenge attack'

JAKARTA (JP): A businessman was slashed to death with a machete and his friend severely wounded in a possible revenge attack at the victims' home in Pamulang, South Jakarta, police said yesterday.

Police are tracing the whereabouts of four suspects who managed to escape after Wednesday's attack, city police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said.

"So far, we consider the suspects' act to be their way of venting their anger because they did not take anything from the house or the victims."

Police identified the victim as Amrizal, 40, and his wounded friend as Bachtiar Ilyas, 56, both from Jl. Gurame 40 in Pamulang.

"But, we still don't know whether the suspects intended to take revenge on Amrizal or Bachtiar.

"We're still trying to collect more information on it, especially from the surviving victim, who is believed to have been attacked while trying to help Amrizal."

Aritonang was uncertain about the relationship between the two victims and Amrizal's family was too distraught to talk to the media.

Amrizal died at the scene from dozens of slash wounds all over his body, especially on his chest, head, legs and arms.

Bachtiar is being treated at Fatmawati Hospital for serious slash wounds.

Aritonang said Amrizal was fixing a light bulb in the front yard about 10 p.m. Wednesday when the four suspects approached him and launched the attack.

He quoted witnesses as saying that the four suspects wore masks, were armed with machetes and came to the scene in a minivan.

Amrizal's body was buried yesterday in a public cemetery near his residence. (cst/emf)