Supporters skip gang leader's trial

JAKARTA: The trial of the suspected murderers of gang leader Basri Sangaji was quiet on Tuesday as supporters of both Sangaji and the defendants stayed away.

However, security remained tight, with the city police deploying over 1,000 officers to the auditorium of the South Jakarta Police precinct on Jl. Wijaya, which was turned into a court room.

Last week, around 2,500 police officers were deployed to prevent a possible clash between Sangaji's supporters and those of the defendants.

The eight defendants on trial are Semi Charter Refra alias Semy Key, Emang Refra, Rais Texas, Sefanya Rahakbau, Erwin Lambettubun, Koko Rahawarin, Yopi Ingrattubub and Rasid Renwarin. --JP