Man shot dead during bar brawl

JAKARTA (JP): A man was fatally shot by a police officer, who was beaten up when he tried to disperse an angry crowd at Bar MW on Jl. Tubagus Angke, West Jakarta, early Saturday morning, Jakarta Military Police Commander Col. Hendardji said.

He said on Saturday that Yudi, alias Rasiding, 31, believed to be a customer at the bar, was shot in the chest. He was rushed to Atmajaya Hospital in Pluit, North Jakarta, but was announced dead on arrival.

"As he did not survive, his body was sent to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital for a postmortem examination," he said.

According to Hendardji, the fight was sparked by a group of regular customers who call themselves Sakerah.

"Apparently the Sakerah members got angry over other patrons' constant requests for songs from the dangdut music band and how they showered the singers with money, sometimes physically picking up a singer on stage.

"Then a customer threw a beer bottle at the stage and people started fighting," he said.

Windows, furniture, garden pots and band equipment were damaged during the brawl, prompting customers and entertainers to flee the scene.

The bar employees then reported the incident, which took place at 2:30 a.m., to Tanjung Duren Police subprecint officers, who rushed to the scene.

"Witnesses said they heard gunshots and then found Yudi lying down, wounded," Hendardji said.

Military police have questioned four witnesses so far.

A reliable source identified the police officer who shot the victim as Second Lt. Suradi, who reportedly fired warning shots while he was being attacked by the crowd.

The place was temporary sealed off by the police, pending further investigation.

The bar had apparently reopened a month ago after its closure in May, when it was looted and torched during the riots. (edt)