Man killed in argument over politics

JAKARTA (JP): A man was beaten to death in Cipinang Jaya, East Jakarta early on Thursday morning following a heated argument on the latest developments in the country's political condition.

The victim, identified as Murtak, 31, died at Persahabatan Hospital in Rawamangun about nine hours after the incident in which he suffered severe wounds to the head, Tito, 20, one of his neighbors, said.

Murtak was believed to have been hit with a wooden stick by Freddy, 27, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, Tito said.

"It is common among residents of Cipinang Jaya to spend hours at nights near a guard post, chatting or discussing anything. Murtak and Freddy were the last ones awake as the others had gone home or fallen asleep there," he said.

Both Freddy, who is jobless and Murtak, a driver, were sitting near the post at around 1 a.m., while some others were asleep there, Tito said, adding that he could still hear what the two were talking about despite being drowsy.

"We'd been talking about politics with topics ranging from the general election to noted figures like Amien Rais and Megawati from 8 p.m.," Tito said.

He said that Freddy was apparently offended as Murtak refused to comment on Freddy's opinion about the Armed Forces' (ABRI) dual function.

"Murtak said that he didn't know anything about the dual function and just answered that he was sleepy. Freddy got upset and claimed that Murtak had underestimated him," Tito said.

Freddy then hit Murtak in the face, thereby causing Murtak's glasses to fall off, he said.

"When Murtak bowed to pick his glasses, Freddy took a wooden stick and smashed it on Murtak's head," Tito added.

Before falling down, Murtak, a father of three children, shouted for help, and alerted Tito and other people sleeping in the post.

They immediately rushed Murtak to a nearby hospital, but he died at 10 a.m.

Freddy was arrested and is now detained at Kalimalang police subprecinct. (emf)