Doctor says nine injured in clashes getting better

JAKARTA (JP): The conditions of nine people seriously injured in clashes between the military and antigovernment protesters on Nov. 13 and Nov. 14 are all improving, according to a senior doctor from Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta, where all nine are being treated.

One, a six-year-old girl, is still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) so that doctors can monitor her progress carefully, director of the state-run hospital, Dr. Hermansyur Kertosastro said on Thursday.

"The other eight have been transferred to normal wards," he said.

The nine people were among hundreds admitted to the hospital in Salemba, Central Jakarta, after armed police and soldiers fired into crowds of protesters during the Nov. 13 incident at Semanggi Cloverleaf and the riots of the following day.

One week after the unrest, only 13 people were still receiving treatment, and now only nine remain.

The remaining nine were identified as Paul Sabarno, Imelda Manurung, Adriel and Tupak Anwari, who are all students; and onlookers Ayu Ratnasari, Sutomo, Pendi Suhatman, Parno Sugiarto and Pudjiono.

Ayu, who is a pupil of Kebon Manggis elementary school in East Jakarta, was the youngest victim of the unrest.

She was shot in her left temple while sitting on her uncle's shoulders to get better view of a commotion between students and civilian guards on Jl. Jatinegara in East Jakarta on Nov. 14.

Doctors have said the bullet inflicted damage to the six-year- old's brain.

"The bullet has damaged part of her brain. We're afraid she won't be able to move her left hand and foot," Hermansyur said.

The bullet was removed just a few hours after she was rushed to the hospital, however doctors were forced to leave several fragments of the bullet in the girl's brain because it was too dangerous to remove them.

"We're afraid that any attempt to remove the shrapnel will cause further damage to some parts of her brain," Hermansyur said.

The team of doctors have nevertheless been encouraged by Ayu's strong will to live.

"She's a brave girl and has a strong desire to recover," he said.

Hermansyur was speaking while accompanying State Minister for Women's Affairs Tutty Alawiyah on an impromptu tour of the hospital. (emf)