Gang forces families to flee

CIREBON, West Java: Around 100 families from the village of Luwunggeusik in Indramayu have been sheltering in their relatives' homes since a gang of hoodlums attacked their village last Tuesday.

Antara reported on Thursday that the gang came from the village of Srengseng. The ringleaders were identified as Solek, 34, and Dilla, 30.

Five families remaining in the area said the gang arrived on motorcycles and in open trucks. They vandalized dozens of homes and looted shrimp ponds, causing damage worth Rp 100 million.

Two locals, Toim and Sobana, sustained slash wounds to their heads and chest during the attack. They are now being treated in Pelabuhan Cirebon hospital.

Residents lamented the security forces' slow response to the problem.

Ramila, who is in charge of security at Luwunggeusik village, said that 57 houses were damaged, and two homes, a stall and a number of shrimp ponds were looted. The ponds were due to be harvest on Thursday.

On Thursday, 40 hoodlums reportedly extorted money from remaining residents in Luwunggeusik and in the neighboring village of Kalianyar. The gang reportedly demanded Rp 500,000 from the villages, but left with only Rp 350,000.

"We were terrified, I would have given them Rp 10,000 if I had it," a woman said, adding that she was forced to hand over her last Rp 5,000 note.

An anonymous elderly man said he was threatened with sharp weapons.

Krangkeng Police chief First Lt. Saldaral said police would not be able to move against the Srengseng hoodlums immediately. "Surely you know why," he said without elaborating.

Nurudin, the Luwunggeusik village chief, said the attack followed a dispute at a nearby entertainment site on Tuesday.

There has been ill feeling between Luwunggeusik residents and the gang for some time. In November, the gang were attacked by Luwunggeusik residents and their leader, Solek, received stab wounds which nearly proved fatal.

Luwunggeusik residents only went to his assistance after Dilla pledged that the gang would not cause any more trouble.