Operation against hoodlums

Operation against hoodlums

JAKARTA (JP): National Police deputy chief in charge of
operational affairs, Maj. Gen. M.B. Hutagalung, urged on
Wednesday city police to strengthen their operation against
hoodlums.

He said that the police operation against hoodlums, who are
locally called preman, will never be reduced. "Everyday, from
regional police nationwide, we receive reports about police
operations."

"It is the city police's duty to take care of the hoodlums,
not the national police," Hutagalung said, responding to a report
that a group of 60 hoodlums broke into a house and took a family
hostage.

Henny M. Siwi reported that her husband and children were
taken hostage by around 60 people at their house in East Jakarta
on Tuesday.

She said that she was also taken hostage, but she managed to
escape and reported the case to the city police.

On a previous occasion, the hoodlums had come to her house and
wrecked tools in the house, which also functions as a repair
shop. At that time the hoodlums took the family hostage, but
released them after a short time.

On Tuesday the hoodlums returned, tortured Henny and her
relatives, and then took them hostage.

Henny said that the case has been reported to the East Jakarta
police, but no action has been taken so far. (29)