Robbers ransack house of political party chief

JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian People's Party (PARI) Agus Miftah was injured and suffered losses of Rp 200 million after 11 unidentified burglars entered and attacked him at his house in the upmarket Permata Hijau area, on Jl. Permata Hijau Raya Block AA No.3, South Jakarta early on Saturday.

Agus, former member of the General Elections Committee (KPU), told The Jakarta Post that the burglars managed to escape with his laptop computer that contained state documents, a handicam containing reports of political developments, five cellular phones, jewelry, and cash amounting to Rp 14 million.

Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Jacob arrived at the scene of the crime later in the day to inspect the scene. Sofjan is Agus' old friend.

Agus said he fought the two robbers who came from the back door, but eight others then came and mobbed him until he fell to the floor.

The burglars then tied Agus, his wife, his seven-year-old daughter, seven-month-old baby and his maid and held them in a bedroom.

"They began to take out all the electronic devices such as TV sets, computer, printer, CD players, mini system radio, dresses, keys of four cars comprising a Mercedes Benz S 320, a Mercedes jeep ML 320, a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Honda City sedan that were all parked in front of the house," he said.

The burglars put all the electronic devices in the cars, but they were unable to start them, since they did not know how to override the electronic security systems installed.

"They came back inside my house and turned on the lights to ask me to show them how to open the gate, but one of them who seemed to be their leader was surprised when he saw my face," he said, adding that there was a short dialog with the leader, before they left his house in two separate groups.

According to Kelapa Dua subprecinct police, the group of burglars entered the house by climbing the back wall of the building, using rope, and old banners tied together.

The burglary case was being investigated by a joint team of Kelapa Dua, West Jakarta and City Police detectives.

Agus who suffered wounds to his lips and bruises around his face said he was told by police on Saturday afternoon that they had identified the groups of burglars. He added that he remembered the face of one of them as a local resident who had once worked as a gardener at his house. (01)