Singer husband on trial for abuse

JAKARTA: The South Jakarta District Court tried on Monday the husband of singer Nur Afni Octavia for allegedly abusing her last year.

Defendant Edwin Nicolaas Rondonuwu, a former host with state- owned television station TVRI, was charged with assaulting Nur Afni on Oct. 25. His violent act caused Nur Afni to suffer severe wounds, including a brain contusion.

Edwin, according to the indictment, became enraged when Nur Afni asked him to meet some guests during Edwin's birthday celebration at her residence in Cilandak, South Jakarta. He turned down her request and instead began to violently beat her.

The hearing also saw Nur Afni testify against Edwin followed by testimonies from their maid Marni and driver Sukasno.

Since their wedding on Oct. 27, 2000, Nur Afni has been seriously assaulted by Edwin three times. The first time took place in December 2000 when he strangled her. That was followed by the second assault in early 2001 when Edwin spit on her and shouted coarse words. The third assault on Oct. 25 resulted in severe injuries to her head, especially her eyes, nose and the back of her skull. -- JP