Tangerang braces for killing spree

TANGERANG (JP): About 600 noncommissioned law enforcement officers, along with local residents, have been alerted to anticipate a possible mysterious killing spree of sorcerers, locally known as dukun santet.

"The officers are on the alert to help safeguard the city from any possible killing spree after it was reported to have spread from East Java to Central and West Java," Lt. Col. Meris Wiryadi, Tangerang military district commander, was quoted by Antara as saying on Sunday.

Meris said that the officers' alertness was aimed at improving public self-defense following the death of a sorcerer in Serang, West Java, last week after being ambushed by an angry mob.

He explained that the self-defense movement had been intensified in areas bordering Serang, including Kronjo, Balaraja and Cisoka districts.

Meris urged local residents to be watchful of any guests coming to their villages during the night and to directly ask their identities.

Based on experience in Banyuwangi, one of the areas hardest hit by the killing spree, he said empowering local people to help maintain security constituted an effective way of preventing it from spreading further.

Meanwhile, H. Harry Mulya Zein, spokesman of the Tangerang regency, said that a number of sorcerers were believed to have been operating in areas including Cipete, Poris Plawad, Tanah Tinggi and Neglasari villages. (hhr)