Marines queried over shooting

JAKARTA (JP): Two Marine officers are facing an internal affairs investigation by the Marine Infantry Brigade in Cilandak, South Jakarta, over the shooting of a police officer on Tuesday morning.

The shooting occurred during a dangdut traditional music open- air party, held near the Buana Serra shopping center in Pondok Cabe, South Jakarta.

City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam said Chief Brig. Sumardi, of the National Police Headquarters, was shot in his left cheek.

The Marine officers being questioned were Chief Sgt. Ramli and Chief Sgt. Kahari.

"The three men were separately enjoying themselves, dancing to the tunes of dangdut at the free open-air party, about 2 a.m. on Tuesday. It is not clear what led to them arguing," Anton said.

"The argument suddenly turned physical, and one of the Marine officers, we're not sure who, took out his firearm and was seen shooting the police officer twice, in front of the public."

The first bullet missed Sumardi but the second struck his left cheek, Anton said.

"The people who had been dancing were at first afraid to help the police officer.

"But then they picked him up and rushed him to the Pamulang police sub-precinct office.

Sumardi was rushed to the National Police's Kramatjati Hospital. (ylt)