Deli fishermen's shooting reported

MEDAN (JP): The wives of two fishermen shot dead by marine police in a recent clash in Sei Tuan, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, reported their husbands' tragic deaths to the Military Police office here on Monday.

Nuraisyah and Zaniah, the wives of Ramli and Ridwan respectively, demanded the military punish those who killed their husbands. They threatened to sue the police if measures were not taken against the officers suspected of carrying out the shooting.

The women complained about the arrogance of police officers, who they said refused to listen to the local fishermen's version of the incident.

"We do not have any choice," Nuraisyah said shortly after submitting the report.

The fatal incident occurred on Friday night when three marine police officers -- senior chief petty officers Jumadi, Ambarita, and chief petty officer Sunardi -- attempted to arrest Sulaiman for his alleged role in an arson attack on two trawlers last month.

Sulaiman's wife screamed for help when police began to drag her husband away. Neighbors then tried to protect Sulaiman and beat one of the police officers.

The other police officers present opened fire on their assailants, killing Ramli and Ridwan instantly. Two others, Jumadi and Sunardi, were seriously injured.

Ambarita is currently being detained by Military Police for an unspecified reason.

Fishermen often complained about trawlers operating in local waters because they had caused local fishermen's incomes to drop drastically. They allege government officials protect the trawler owners, who are mostly ethnic Chinese.

"We are ready to face their lawsuit," National Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo said in Medan.

Dibyo said he was confident the officers were not guilty, although he added they would be punished if his hunch proved to be wrong. (21/prb)