'Preman' pledge to turn over new leaf

'Preman' pledge to turn over new leaf

JAKARTA (JP): More than 1,000 former street hoodlums, known locally as preman, have taken an oath that they will turn over a new leaf and help the government fight against crime.

The oath was read by Udin Balok before Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman in a ceremony at the Aneka Krida Sports Hall on Wednesday, Antara reported.

Udin once served a four-year jail term at the Cipinang Correctional Institute here.

Following the reading, Udin handed over a letter, pledging a more orderly life, to the minister.

Before taking the oath, two other ex-convicts, Moch. Suratno and Moch. Kasmun, recited verses from the Koran.

The preman vowed that they would not repeat their past wrongdoings and would seek jobs which were lawful and permitted by religion. (bas)