Seven hoodlums arrested for street fight

TANGERANG (JP): Police arrested seven people on Thursday in connection with a brawl at Cikokol bus station on Wednesday in which R. Purba, 28, was killed and Natalius Marbun severely injured.

The seven people, aged between 18 and 40 years, were identified only as RT, RTH, TH, GL, BL, AB and LT.

Police said two of them, RT and TRH, were the prime suspects in Purba's murder.

"We're still investigating the case and we've seized a machete and an iron pole used in the fight as evidence," said Tangerang Police detective chief Capt. Rahmad Wibowo.

It was reported that two groups of hoodlums were involved in a dispute over a gambling game on Saturday, when the winner was accused of cheating by the others.

Rumors of the dispute kept spreading, and on Wednesday afternoon the groups attacked each other, Rahmad said.

However, a city police spokesman gave a different version of events on Thursday, stating that some 50 Bataks, members of a bus crew, came to the station to discuss bus routes with an Ambonese crew.

But when the Bataks arrived at the station, the Ambonese took it the wrong way and both parties started fighting. In the clash, Purba was killed.

Rahmad also dismissed circulating rumors that Natalius had died in the hospital due to his injuries.

"The rumors almost caused further conflict on Thursday as a small truck load of hoodlums from Kebon Nanas and Ciledug arrived at Cikokol station to take revenge," Rahmad said.

Tension still gripped Cikokol Terminal on Thursday, as dozens of police officers were deployed to secure the neighboring traditional market and business center.

"We're expecting the situation will soon return to normal. We have deployed the personnel temporarily to prevent the dispute from spreading," Rahmad said.

He also said that the two warring camps had admitted their mistakes. "Hopefully, we can settle the matter soon," he said.

The attackers will be charged with article 170 of the Criminal Code on assault which carries a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison. (41/edt)