Jakarta-Merak toll road prone to robbery

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)