Robbers make off with Rp 200m

TANGERANG: A group of 10 men robbed the house of a timber businessman in Mutiara Pluit housing complex, Periuk district, on Tuesday evening, making off with more than Rp 200 million (US$23,529).

Bejus, 25, one of the businessman's 10 employees, said the robbers broke into the house at about 7 p.m., while he and other fellow workers were chatting inside.

"One of the robbers asked where our boss was while pointing guns at us," he relived, adding that his boss, identified only as John, had been out of town. The robbers broke into his boss' bedroom and snatched Rp 150 million as well as 200 grams of gold jewelry. They also took the employees money and mobile phones.

The robbers fled in a Kijang minivan.

Jatiuwung Police chief Insp. Helfy Assegaf refused to meet reporters, but subordinates said that the police were still searching for the robbers. -- JP