Cigarette vendor killed in Monas

JAKARTA (JP): A cigarette vendor was found dead with a stab wound to the stomach at National Monument Park, Central Jakarta early yesterday morning.

Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. M. Ibrahim confirmed that Idi, 18, was stabbed by one of six robbers at around 3 a.m. after trying to help an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver who was being robbed.

One robber was arrested and police were still hunting for the other five, Ibrahim said. "They are known hoodlums who often extort money from people in the park," he said.

He said the six robbers approached the driver and demanded money, but the driver refused to give them any.

The driver shouted for help as one of the robbers threatened him with a knife, he said. Idi was then stabbed when he tried to fight off the alleged robbers.

Idi's body was picked up by his wife, Arsana, from Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital's morgue for burial in his hometown of Sampang, Madura. (jun)