Marines raid music show, kills one in Lampung

Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung

One person was killed and several others injured when a truckload of marines launched a lightening raid on a concert to celebrate Independence Day in Lampung province, villagers said on Thursday.

The trigger behind the attack, which took place at around 9 p.m. on Wednesday in Gebang village, South Lampung regency, remained unclear.

Locals suspected, however, that it might have been sparked by a brawl on Tuesday night in neighboring Ketapang village during a similar concert to mark the country's 59th independence anniversary. At that time, local youths clashed with a number of men in military uniform and fled.

Mugi, 26, a Gebang resident, died at the scene after he was stabbed five times in the abdomen and leg during Wednesday's raid, which was blamed on soldiers from the Piabung marine base.

Villagers who suffered heavy injuries were: Darsono, 26, who sustained a knife wound in his back; Hafifi, 20, who was stabbed in the right arm and armpit; and Zuhir Himanto, 34, who suffered stab wounds to the legs.

All three victims are being treated at Abdul Moeloek General Hospital in Bandarlampung, while two others with minor injuries, Marfeni and Cahyo, both 23, were taken to the local Bumi Waras Hospital.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived by truck in full military uniform and were armed with sharp weapons.

"They came suddenly and attacked us when we were enjoying the electronic piano concert," said Syamsuddin, a 34-year-old Gebang villager.

He said many more victims might also have been injured, but they had fled after the incident.

"It was dark and many villagers ran to save their lives. The body of my friend Mugi was found on the side of a road," Syamsuddin added.

According to him, dozens of youths who failed to escape were stabbed and slashed.

In Jakarta, Marine Corps spokesman Brig. Gen. Deddy Susanto said on Thursday some 40 marines would be dishonorably discharged for their alleged involvement in the attack.

"We will launch a marathon investigation tonight to identify those involved before discharging them dishonorably tomorrow (Friday)," he was quoted by Antara.

Deddy did not rule out the possibility of also removing the Piabung marine base chief, who was just installed on Tuesday, over the incident.

Marine Corps commander Maj. Gen. Achmad Rifai is giving special attention to the attack, Deddy added.

Lampung Garuda Hitam Military commander Col. Chairudin Aziz and Lampung Marine Battalion chief Lt. Col. Bambang Sutrisno visited the village and apologized to the victims' families.

Bambang promised to take harsh measures against soldiers responsible for the attack. "This cannot be tolerated. I will not protect my men if they are guilty."

Local councillors condemned the incident and demanded stern punishment for the perpetrators.

In March, dozens of Army soldiers ran amok at the Rajabasa bus terminal in Bandarlampung in a similar incident, destroying a security post and beating up several bus crewmen.

Late-night keyboard concerts have often been blamed for brawls in Lampung. Local police banned such shows last year, but many continue to put on the music shows, which are highly popular.