German arrested for making rude gestures at minister

Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A German citizen was apprehended by police on Thursday after he obstructed a convoy of cars carrying Coordinating Minister for Security and Political Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his entourage and made rude gestures on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta.

Robert Massmeyer, 70, a resident of Vila Duta, Bogor, was driving his white Toyota Starlet when he was arrested by the police in the parking lot of Hotel Indonesia.

The officers gave chase after he refused to pull over to make way for Susilo's motorcade.

Police Brig. Nyoman S. said Massmeyer began to zigzag along the street and obstructed the convoy when the police escort told him to make way.

"He also gave 'the bird' to those in the convoy," he said.

When he was arrested, Massmeyer apparently tried to fend off the policemen with his umbrella before fleeing, but fell and suffered bruises to his hands and knees, as well as injuries to his forehead.

Handcuffed, he was taken to Jakarta Police Headquarters for questioning.

Massmeyer said he refused to pull over because he felt that he had done no wrong while driving his car.

"If I made traffic violations, why didn't they simply note down my license plate number and send me a warning letter?"

He looked stunned when he was told he was arrested for insulting a state official.

He was then taken to the police's national security division for further questioning.

Jakarta Police chief of detectives Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang said they would properly process the case.

The police report says Massmeyer is being charged with violating Article 216 of the Criminal Code on failing to follow instructions from law enforcers, which carries a maximum sentence of 18 weeks.