'Ojek' driver murderer gets nine years in jail

BOGOR (JP): A 22-year-old man was sentenced to nine years in jail by the Bogor District Court yesterday for killing an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver on March 19.

Presiding judge Martini said Alimudin stabbed Dedi Suryana to death near a bamboo forest at Pabuaran village in Cigudeg district here before stealing the victim's motorcycle.

"Alimudin wanted a motorcycle and asked his father to buy one. To his disappointment, his father refused and gave him Rp 50,000 instead," Martini said.

She said an upset Alimudin decided to visit a friend in Cilangkap village, and asked Dedi to take him.

During the ride, Alimudin asked Dedi the fee.

"When the victim said the trip would cost Rp 5,000, the latter bargained for half of the price, which was strongly objected to by the victim," Martini said.

The defendant suddenly had an idea to take the motorcycle, she added.

He asked Dedi to ride to Pabuaran village.

"When arriving at a quiet place near the bamboo forest, the defendant asked the victim to stop," Martini said.

Alimudin got off the motorcycle and asked Dedi to lower the price in an attempt to provoke him, she said.

"The victim then responded to the defendant's words by punching him. In response, the defendant pulled out a knife from behind his back and stabbed the victim's left chest and neck."

Alimudin then dragged the victim's body into the forest before leaving the scene with the motorcycle for Sukabumi.

At the crossroads on Jl. Cimanggu at Cibungbulang, about 15 kilometers from the crime scene, Alimudin collided with another motorcycle and was taken to the police station, where he was arrested, she said.

Alimudin was charged under Article 365 of the Criminal Code for attacking and stealing a person's property which caused a fatality, Martini said. (ivy/24)