Murder victim to be cremated

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The government of the People's Republic of China has allowed the local administration to arrange the cremation of Guo Mao Jun, 19, who died from stab wounds on Oct. 13.

"The Chinese Embassy has given a mandate to local shipping company PT. Samudera Indonesia to conduct the cremation for the crew of a Chinese cargo vessel, Lian Hua Shan, today (Saturday)," the chief of the Bandar Lampung City Police, Lt. Col. T.M.B. Siahaan, said as quoted by Antara Saturday.

Police arrested Tuesday three of the five alleged murderers, identified as BS, Er and Ros.

Mao Jun was mobbed after becoming involved in a dispute with a becak (pedicab) driver over the cost of the fare.

"Mao Jun declined to pay more, as requested by the driver, than the Rp 3,000 (US 80 cents) that he had previously offered. He even put the money back in his pocket," Siahaan said.

Some people then attacked him with weapons, the police chief said. (imn)