Police arrest alleged provocateurs

BOGOR: Bogor Police arrested secretary of Cipambuan Sentul village Encun Wahyudin and Saefudin on Sunday evening on suspicion of provoking locals selling durian to attack officers from toll road operator PT Jasa Marga Jagorawi earlier on Sunday in the Sentul area. They also apprehended Yaman and Acang in the village Monday morning for the same allegation.

Bogor Police precinct chief Adj. Sr. Comr. HM Taufik told the media on Monday that the arrest was made after six vendors, who had been apprehended earlier, named Encun and Saefudin as the provocateurs.

Durian vendors pelted stones at Jasa Marga officials and police and even chased after them, carrying machetes and sticks, after officers had warned them not to sell durian along the emergency lane of the toll road. They also damaged vehicles belonging to the officers, and traffic signs.

Bogor Police chief of detectives Adj. Comr. Ferdy Sambo said that they would investigate the incident.

"They (vendors) have violated article 170 of the Criminal Code on vandalism as they damaged Jasa Marga property, police patrol cars and traffic signs on the road," he said. "If convicted, they could face 12 years imprisonment." -- JP