Seven armed men rob BRI branch

JAKARTA (JP): Seven armed men robbed a branch of state Bank Rakyat Indonesia on Jl. Garuda in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Friday, making away with the bank's computers and a television set.

Central Jakarta Police chief Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said the seven robbers, who were armed with an FN-type gun and machetes, arrived at the bank at 5:30 a.m. in a blue Kijang van and immediately overpowered one of the bank's guards, identified as Daryono, 23.

"One of the suspects pointed the gun at Daryono, who was sitting in front of the bank, and then tied him up," Iman said, adding that the robbers then entered the bank by forcibly opening the bank's door with a crowbar.

The men found no money at the bank and instead stole nine computers and a 14-inch television set before leaving the bank in their van, he said

Two bank security guards, who arrived at the site that morning, found Daryono still tied up, he said, adding that police received a report on the robbery at 8:30 a.m.

The bank's branch manager Deden R said the bank did not keep any money after it closed on Thursday.

The bank was closed on Friday because of rumors that a large- scale riot would occur, following the death of a student and a police officer in Thursday's demonstration, Deden said. (jun)