Hercules seeks Rp 2b in compensation

JAKARTA (JP): Former notorious hoodlum Hercules, who used to operate in Tanah Abang area, Central Jakarta, has demanded that the city administration pay him compensation of Rp 2.2 billion for the destruction in 1997 of five properties that he owned in the area.

Accompanied by eight associates, the East Timor-born Hercules went to City Hall on Tuesday. However, he failed to meet any senior officials at the Public Order Office. The former hoodlum then went to the office of city secretary Fauzi Bowo to deliver his demands.

Hercules said that his properties, which had been used as bars, and their facilities such as kitchen equipment and furniture, were worth Rp 600 million.

He said that along with clearing out the houses, the public order officers also destroyed sound systems, guitars and keyboards worth Rp 100 million.

"We also demand compensation of Rp 1.4 billion for loss of future income," he said, noting that he used to earn at least Rp 1 million per day from operating the bars.

An official said Hercules' properties were destroyed by Betawi (native Jakarta) people, who were angry with the hoodlum's activities, during a massive brawl four years ago.

"So, it's not true that we destroyed his properties. Until now he was still being searched for by Betawi people," the official said while requesting anonymity.

Since the brawl, Hercules has been living in his wife's hometown of Indramayu, West Java. (jun)