Seaman hits out at wrong man

JAKARTA (JP): A member of the Navy beat up a bus conductor at the Senen bus terminal in Central Jakarta on Friday, after the soldier mistook the conductor for a thief.

City police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said on Saturday the seaman, identified as Anang, 25, was a member of the Indonesian Navy's West Fleet, which is based in North Jakarta.

"He is now reportedly detained at West Fleet Headquarters, after being questioned at Senen Police station," Lubis said.

The conductor, who suffered head injuries, was identified as 24-year-old Rudi Sinaga.

The incident happened at around 10 p.m. on Friday when Anang entered the crowded bus terminal looking for a man who had robbed his wife on the previous day.

When Anang saw Rudy he dragged the conductor out of the terminal, demanding he return the 10 gram gold necklace.

When Rudy denied the crime, Anang became angry and hit the conductor with his fists, Lubis said.

Onlookers and fellow public bus crews watched the incident as Anang, who was in uniform, told them to keep clear.

Police arrived on the scene after being notified by the victim's friends and took the seaman to the station for questioning, Lubis said. (emf)