Presidential guard beats parking attendant to death

JAKARTA (JP): A member of the Presidential Security Guard (Paspampres) beat a parking attendant to death after a quarrel over a parking space on Jl. Kesehatan in Central Jakarta, an official said yesterday.

Jakarta Military Police Commander Col. Hendardji said that Private Agus Gozali, a member of Paspampres Group C for dignitaries and honorable guests, confessed to beating Ichsan, 38, to death after losing his control.

"The incident occurred at about 8 p.m. on Saturday. Agus was in a hurry to park his car near the Health Ministry office where he was due to attend a briefing.

"Agus tried to park his car in a prohibited area and Ichsan told him to park somewhere else. He offered to park the car himself to save Agus the trouble," Hendardji explained.

Agus handed his car key to Ichsan, but snatched it back when he smelled alcohol on Ichsan's breath, he said.

Shocked by this behavior, Ichsan replied: "Why don't you believe me?" The two men then squared up to each other.

Agus kicked and punched Ichsan furiously in the stomach and chest then went in to the briefing, Hendardji said.

"The private discovered Ichsan was dead when the briefing ended at about 9 p.m. and he left the ministry to find a crowd around Ichsan's body."

Agus turned himself in to his superior officer later that night and was taken to Jakarta Military Police Headquarters in Guntur, South Jakarta, for questioning.

"Agus said he never thought the beating he dished out would end fatally."

"He will be charged under Article 351 for assault leading to death which carries a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment," Hendardji added. (edt/ivy)