Money changer robbed of Rp 500m in holdup

JAKARTA (JP): Onlookers and passersby at the busy area of Jl. Haji Agus Salim in Central Jakarta were stunned by a broad daylight robbery by four armed criminals in the front yard of a money changer on Tuesday.

Witnesses said the robbers, riding two RX-King motorcycles, fired at least two shots to scare the people away as they effected their escape. No injuries were recorded.

Police quoted executives of PT Anugerah Adiarta money changer as saying that the robbers managed to grab Rp 500 million in cash from their employee, Patmo.

But witnesses at the scene told reporters that they saw the unmasked robbers leave the scene without carrying anything.

The money changer's manager, Alex, refused to be met by reporters and even declined to speak to police detectives.

Central Jakarta detective chief Maj. Budiono Sandi, who also arrived at the scene, said Alex was afraid that publicity for the robbery at his money changer would ruin his business.

"He said that he'd rather lose the money and not the whole business," Budiono said.

PT Anugerah Adiarta money changer is located behind the Sarinah department store.

According to witnesses, the four men entered the front yard of the money changer at about 1 p.m. and immediately approached Patmo, who had just arrived in a black Kijang Rover minivan from a BCA bank branch with a suitcase filled with Rp 500 million in cash.

Abu, owner of a nearby food stall, recalled: "I saw them first playing tug-of-war with the suitcase. The motorist tried to snatch it while Pak Patmo tried to keep it."

Suddenly, an employee of a nearby video CD rental shop, identified only as Budi, hit one of the robbers with a motorcycle helmet.

The incident then led the four robbers to hastily leave the site.

Before leaving the scene, one of them fired two shots in the air to scare away the onlookers along the busy street.

Officer Budiono said the police are still probing the case and would summon witnesses, including Alex, for further questioning. (emf)