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)