Soccer player taken hostage

JAKARTA (JP): A national junior soccer player was kidnapped and is being held hostage by a business partner of his father who owes him Rp 60 million (US$25,806).

The 46-year-old father, Zulkifli Lubis, reported the kidnapping of his son Budi Setiawan to the Jakarta Police yesterday.

Zulkifli said Budi was kidnapped by Ucok Siregar, his business partner, adding that Ucok had also taken some of his sewing machines, a great range of textiles and a pickup.

He said Ucok and his friend John Siregar came to his house last month. Ucok apparently didn't meet Zulkifli, but met Budi. According to Zulkifli they kidnapped Budi and took him to Ucok's house on Jl. Ciledug Raya, South Jakarta.

Zulkifli said Ucok would release his son only when the debt is paid. "But I believe the sewing machines, textiles and the car that he seized from my house are worth Rp 60 million, although Ucok claimed that the goods are only worth Rp 12 million."

"I'm worried about Budi's future as a soccer player," said Zulkifli, who was accompanied by his lawyers.

Budi is a junior player of the Jakarta-based Pelita Jaya club, a leading club in the Indonesian semi-professional soccer league.

He is currently up for selection for the Primavera team which will be sent to Italy for an intensive training stint.(04)