Senen market bans 60 traders

JAKARTA (JP): The Senen market authorities have temporarily banned 60 traders from selling merchandise at the market following a brawl on Wednesday.

Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira said that the police have questioned witnesses about the brawl between the traders and a larger group of hoodlums on Wednesday.

"We are still investigating the case," Abubakar said yesterday.

Sito, the market security chief, confirmed yesterday that the market authority has prohibited the vendors from trading until it is considered safe for them to start up business again.

He added that 2,000 nearby shops were hastily closed by their owners on Wednesday for fear the brawl would affect their business. The shops were open again yesterday.

Sito said a hoodlum, identified as Wahab, was attacked by three vendors, identified as Sy, Sa and Ha, on Tuesday. The incident occurred when one of Wahab's friends was caught stealing a T-shirt.

The culprit managed to get away, but Wahab was caught by the three vendors and beaten.

Wahab suffered injuries to his head and back.

On Wednesday, 80 of Wahab's friends came to the market, searching for the three vendors, Sito said.

"The hoodlums broke bottles, threatening some traders," Sito said.

He said the hoodlums have been hanging about the market for three years. "It's difficult to keep them out of here," he said. (jun)