'Ojek' drivers beat man to death

TANGERANG (JP): A 21-year-old alleged extortionist was beaten to death by a group of ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers in Jatake village on Sunday evening.

Herman, dubbed the King of Extortion by local ojek drivers, suffered severe head injuries and bruises during the attack.

Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Arianto Boedihardjo confirmed yesterday that Herman had been savagely beaten.

"He died on the way to Tangerang General Hospital," he said.

According to the ojek drivers, Herman, whose body was covered in tattoos, demanded money from them every day.

"He was unemployed so he often intimidated us to make sure we gave him some money for various reasons, including for security. We were so incensed," an unidentified ojek driver was quoted by Antara as saying.

On Sunday evening, Herman approached the group of ojek drivers, and demanded money from one of the men, Syamsuddin, also 21, Arianto said.

The latter refused to yield to his request as he had not earned any money that day, he said.

When Herman put pressure on him, Syamsuddin informed the other ojek drivers, who beat him until he fell unconscious, the police officer said. Herman was unable to defend himself against the group.

Ariyanto did not disclose whether any of Herman's attackers had been arrested or detained.

The victim's body was being kept at the hospital yesterday and would undergo a postmortem examination. (bsr)