Dutch couple robbed in Kemang

JAKARTA (JP): A Dutchman was attacked while attempting to defend his wife from two unidentified men yesterday on Jl. Kemang, South Jakarta. The men made off with his wife's bag containing Rp 2 million (US$851.06) in cash and jewelry worth Rp 2 million.

A police officer at the Mampang Police subprecinct said the Dutchman, Herry van Soest, was stabbed with a sword in the head while trying to defend his wife.

"The two men escaped on a motorcycle," the officer, who asked not to be identified, said.

The incident began when Soest, who was on the way home from an official meeting in Kelapa Gading in a taxi, saw his wife leaving a fast food restaurant followed by two unidentified men.

He asked the driver to stop and told his wife to return with him to their hotel.

As the woman approached the cab, the two men snatched her bag. It was then that Soest got out of the taxi and tried to protect his wife.(jun)