Jakarta-Merak toll road prone to robbery

TANGERANG (JP): Motorists heading for the Kebon Jeruk- Tangerang toll road ought to be careful when giving lifts to strangers following two separate vehicle robberies on Saturday and Sunday.

Both victims picked up the unidentified gang of robbers on West Jakarta's Kebon Jeruk toll gate, a popular point for people waiting for public buses or hitchhiking to Tangerang.

The first victim, identified as 36-year-old Abdilini, was badly beaten by a group of four men who got into his Isuzu Panther van after asking for a lift to Tangerang.

During Saturday's incident, the culprits then dumped the unconscious owner at an empty spot in Tegal Bayu area of the Tigaraksa district and ran off with his van,

The second victim Panji, 36, was also stopped by a group of four men at the Kebon Jeruk toll gate and asked for a ride to Tangerang.

Along the way, the group threatened him with sharp weapons and guns and bound Panji with tape.

Panji, who was driving a Corona Sedan, was thrown out of the vehicle in Cilemus village, also in the Tigaraksa district. He was left unharmed.

Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto confirmed the incidents and said police are investigating both cases.

Due to the lack of public transportation serving the Jakarta- Tangerang routes, many owners of private cars or private drivers offer rides to commuters at a tariff rate similar to that applied on unairconditioned buses.

This unofficial service has being taking place for years and has been widely greeted by Tangerang residents, particularly those who leave the office late in the evenings. (41/edt)