Motorcyclists rob merchant

JAKARTA (JP): A group of men on motorcycles robbed a merchant who had just left his house early yesterday morning, relieving him of Rp 11.6 million (US$4,974) in cash with which he intended to buy meat at the Cakung slaughterhouse in East Jakarta.

The merchant, identified as Yoso Sugito, told the police that he was riding a motorcycle when a group of motorcyclists, who he thought were ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers, intercepted him.

He said he was frightened when one of the men pointed a gun at his stomach while another one grabbed his bag containing the money.

He screamed for help after the robbers fled.

A police officer at the Cakung subprecinct told the press that one of the suspects has been identified. However, the police have yet to track down any suspects. (kod)