Soldier found dying in Tangerang

TANGERANG: Second Sgt. Daeng Saenudin, a 25-year-old Army soldier, was found, almost dead, with five gunshot wounds on Jl. Raya Serpong, Tangerang regency on Thursday evening.

Tangerang Police detectives chief Adj. Comr. Asep Adi Saputra confirmed the shooting but said that the police do not have any clue yet as to who the perpetrator was or the motive.

"We are still investigating the case. We are having difficulties as eyewitnesses, whom we expected to give information, were afraid to speak," he said on Friday.

Asep said the victim was shot in his chest, stomach and hands. From the projectiles, the police concluded that the shooter used a 46 caliber FN.

Daeng was found by R. Kosasih, a passerby, who later contacted the Serpong Police. The police rushed the victim to Kasdim Hospital on Jl. Daan Mogot but he was then transferred to Tangerang General Hospital and later to the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital in Central Jakarta which has more complete equipment.

Asep said that Daeng underwent surgery and his condition was improving.

Eyewitness Mukmin, a cigarette vendor, said he saw the victim arrive on a Suzuki Satria motorcycle at around 9 p.m. and park the motorcycle in front of his pushcart. The victim was approached by a man on a Honda Supra motorcycle and they both talked.

"The victim then got on his motorcycle and left with the man, but some 200 meters from here, I heard gunshots," he said, adding he could not identify the other man because he was wearing helmet. -- JP