Kalijodo gangs sign peace deal

The leaders of two warring gangs in the Kalijodo brothel and gambling complex in Penjaringan district, North Jakarta, signed an agreement on Wednesday to end their long-standing feud.

The two gangs from South Sulawesi's Mandar and Makassar ethnic groups have been battling to collect protection money from brothels and gambling operators in the complex. Their practices were backed up by corrupt police and military officers.

The leader of the Mandar gang, Yusman Nur, and the Makassar gang leader, Abdul Azis, signed the agreement at the Penjaringan Police station.

North Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Andi Chaerudin witnessed the signing of the deal, which was marked by the handing over of about 300 sharp weapons.

A third gang in Kalijodo, this one made up of members of the Banten ethnic group, was not involved in the clash between the Mandar and Makassar gangs earlier this year which resulted in the death of a thug and the destruction of numerous brothels.

"The agreement was reached after both parties agreed to end their dispute," said the chairman of the South Sulawesi Community Social Foundation, Ihsan Rauf Praja.

Both Azis and Yusman declined to comment, only saying that all matters were being handled by the foundation.

Governor Sutiyoso had planned to close the complex in February, but the brothels and gambling dens are still operating. -- JP