Policeman shoots hoodlum dead

JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta police arrested a low-ranking police officer who shot to death a hoodlum following a clash between them in Bongkaran prostitution complex in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, early on Monday morning.

The incident took place at around 1:30 a.m., when hoodlum Sundah knocked on the door of Gustina, a prostitute, to ask for a daily "security fee" that she had not yet paid.

Gustina told Sec. Brig. Hasan, her boyfriend, who was staying at her house, and both men became involved in an argument.

Hasan allegedly shot Sundah in his chest as the latter attempted to attack him with a machete. Sundah died immediately at the scene.

Sundah was sentenced to one year imprisonment due to his involvement in the bombing of Ramayana department store on Jl. Sabang, Central Jakarta, in 1999.

He reportedly became the gang leader in Bongkaran after East Timorese notorious hoodlum Hercules had left the area last year. -- JP