One killed as group attacks school

BOGOR (JP): A high school student was killed and another one severely injured when a group of armed scoundrels, allegedly from SMK YTKB high school in Pasar Mawar area, raided and attacked a public minivan in the crowded street of Jl. Empang Bogor on Monday morning.

Sixteen-year-old Dede Sulaiman of SMK YZA high school died in the minivan due to severe injuries to his chest and both of his legs.

His senior classmate, Zaenal Arifin, survived the attack with a deep cut to his thigh.

"We were on the way to school and we took a blue 02 minivan traveling along the Sukasari-Merdeka route with 10 other passengers. I was sitting in the front while Dede sat in the back," Zaenal told reporters at Karya Bhakti Hospital.

"When the minivan stopped to let off a lady and her kid, suddenly a group of armed students from SMK YTKB jumped off their public minivan and attacked us with all kinds of sharp weapons," Zaenal said.

"I was shocked. I don't know what's wrong with them ... they brought a sickle, a sword and other weapons."

After injuring Zaenal and killing Dede, the assailants fled the scene.

Zaenal's parents, who asked not to be named, said they were considering pulling their son out of school.

"We have eight kids.. we cannot stand being worried all the time with all this vicious brawling. It's better for him to drop out of school and work at the plots rather than facing more trouble," Zaenal's parents said.

Meanwhile, Zaenal Abidin and Owon Wirawan, both teachers at SMK YZA which is located on Jl. Semeru No. 59, said that none of their students were involved in the brawl.

"Police always conduct a routine weapons sweeping operation to avoid possible brawls between students here.

"But it seems that our school has been made a target by students from other high schools," Owon said.

No teachers or management staff of SMK YKTB, however, were available for comment.

"The teachers are all out on duties," a staff said. (21/edt)