Gang of six kills PKB patron

INDONESIA: A local senior politician-cum-businessman from Lumajang regency was killed by unidentified persons very early on Friday morning, allegedly due to business rivalry.

The murder began when six persons, dressed in ninja-style garments, knocked on the door of Asmuni's house in Jatiroto subdistrict.

Asmuni was chairman of the board of patrons of the Lumajang branch of the National Awakening Party (PKB).

Upon hearing people knocking at the door, one of Asmuni's sons, who was watching a soccer competition on TV, opened it.

However, one of the uninvited guests quickly held a clurit (traditional Madurese sharp weapon) to his neck, and ordered him to guide them to Asmuni's room.

The frightened child escorted them to his father's room, and upon entering, two of the six unidentified people attacked Asmuni and his wife, who were asleep.

As a result, Asmuni died on the spot while his wife was badly injured, and had to be admitted to Patrang Hospital, Jember regency.

Husein, chairman of the executive board of PKB's Lumajang branch, alleged that the murder was apparently due to competition in the travel business.

"His business rival was jealous at his achievements in the travel business, which had sidelined his own, so he decided to send people to kill him," he said on Saturday, according to sources.

Chief of Jatiroto police subprecinct Adj. Comr. Suherkamto said that the police were investigating the incident. -- JP