Three violent brawls hit city on Saturday morning
JAKARTA (JP): Three separate brawls broke out on Saturday morning between city residents, leading to the death of one man and fire damage to scores of properties.
Local police are still identifying the cause of the incidents and, as of Sunday were yet to name any suspects.
The violent clash that ended in a loss of life occurred at 7 a.m. in Central Jakarta and involved two longstanding enemies -- Kebon Kacang locals and residents from the neighboring Kebon Melati district.
The fight claimed the life of Kebon Melati resident Nurdin, who is believed to have slipped during the brawl into the Kali Kopro river and drowned.
Police are yet to reveal the circumstances which triggered the fight.
Two hours earlier, a fierce street fight took place in one of the city's most notorious brawl areas -- Jl. Matraman -- which marks a division between East Jakarta and Central Jakarta.
The fight, which was said to be participated in by three different residential groups, ended with the burning of a car, a house, a Padang restaurant, a small food kiosk and a tire repair service outlet.
The incident, which was triggered by name-calling and firecracker throwing between children in the Tegalan area and ones from Jl. Fadel during a street football game, began at 5 a.m. Adults from both areas subsequently joined the battle, arming themselves with sharp weapons and stones.
An angry resident in the nearby Berlan area, who was beaten by Tegalan residents as he passed through the area, called on his friends to join in against the Tegalans.
The home of Pak Bodong on Jl. Penegak II in Tegalan was set on fire before locals set fire to a car parked in front of the Istana Bilyar snooker center, and the Surya food restaurant. The mob also damaged the Istana Bilyar building.
Separately on Saturday morning, a brawl ensued among traders at Pasar Genjing traditional market on Jl. Pramuka in East Jakarta.
No further information on the incident was available.
The Saturday brawls add to the soaring statistics on such fights between neighboring residents in the past few days.
The community has also become alarmed about what appears to be a trend for people to run amok and vandalize property located near their residences which is believed to have been used for prostitution and gambling.
In addition to the gang fights, a vicious quarrel on Saturday led to 40-year-old street drink vendor Keddy losing three fingers from his left hand. He also sustained stomach wounds and injuries to the back of his head.
Witnesses said that Keddy, who runs a business in front of a university in Rawabelong, West Jakarta, was brutally attacked with a sickle by a business rival, identified as Pak Kumis. They said the incident occurred in front of the Bethel church in Tanah Abang subdistrict, Central Jakarta.
Police are still looking for Kumis, who also sells drinks next to Keddy. The alleged attacker managed to flee the scene.
Keddy is currently receiving treatment at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital. (01)