Hoodlums arrested for nightspot attack

JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested four alleged hoodlums for terrorizing nightspots in the red-light district of Mangga Besar, West Jakarta, with a gang of 30 others.

City Police chief of detectives Col. Gories Mere said yesterday that one of the four suspects, identified as Sadino, was the alleged mastermind behind Wednesday's attack.

At least three people were injured and more than 30 cars damaged during the attack on Bintang Mawar massage parlor, Pujasera and Parkir discotheques and Safari hotel.

Gories said the incident was still under investigation.

"We are still interrogating the suspects, especially the alleged mastermind, to obtain detailed information on the attack and the reason behind it," he said.

Sadino was arrested yesterday morning at Tanah Abang market in Central Jakarta. His three alleged accomplices, identified only as Mt, 32, Sh, 33, and Ps, 25, were captured red-handed at the crime scene on Jl. Mangga Besar Raya.

Gories said that Sadino allegedly incited the other hoodlums and led them on the attack.

During police interrogation, Sadino said that he told the others that a close friend -- Hercules, a renowned hoodlum in Tanah Abang -- was being held hostage by people at Pujasera discotheque, Gories said.

But police received a tipoff that Sadino had shared a drink with Hercules at the discotheque just before the attack, he said.

"They might have been involved in an argument with other visitors before Sadino and Hercules left and he later told his accomplices that Hercules was held hostage there."

City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said it was still unclear whether or not Hercules was really taken hostage.

"But early investigations have revealed that it was possible Sadino and his gang were just exaggerating the issue and used it to justify their attack," he said. "There might be another reason behind that."

Aritonang said about 30 alleged hoodlums from Tanah Abang market arrived in a big bus about 11 p.m. Wednesday and started attacking visitors at Pujasera. The crowd then targeted the three remaining nightspots.

Three Pujasera's visitors -- identified as Spn, 53, Tts, 50, and Bn, 41 -- were taken to the Gatot Soebroto Army hospital in Central Jakarta and treated for severe injuries to their faces, heads and hands.

City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata vowed yesterday to take stern action against hoodlums who tried to make trouble in public places.

"This case and the suspects will be dealt with in accordance to the law. This country has rules and regulations. No one can take the law into their own hands like that."

Hercules and other hoodlums were involved in a gang war at Tanah Abang market on Jan. 7. At least 21 people were arrested and more than 18 sharp weapons, including a samurai sword, were confiscated. (cst)