Purwokerto stays on red alert

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: A security red alert is still in effect for Purwokerto and surrounding areas due to the escalating number of people beaten to death by mobs, a military official said on Thursday.

Purwokerto Regional Military chief Muhammad Noer Muis said mobs had so far killed nine people they suspected of being "ninjas" killers. Marauding bands of murderers in East and Central Java have been dubbed ninjas because they often wear hoods and are garbed in black.

He hoped locals from all walks of life could improve their security system in their respective business and residential areas, including by performing neighborhood patrols.

"I hope people will not overreact to strangers because they are not always ninjas," Muis told The Jakarta Post.

He said seven of the dead victims were from Pemalang while the two others were residents of Banyumas.

Muis said he had instructed his subordinates to accept people seeking refuge at the military posts.

Ninja killers are believed to be responsible for murdering about 180 people in Java, primarily in Banyuwangi. The killings were first reported in September. (45/jun)