Two men arrested for robberies in W. Jakarta

JAKARTA (JP): Two men who allegedly worked together to prey on public transportation passengers were arrested separately in West Jakarta in the past two days.

Suryadi, 21, and Kurmawan, 26, are believed to be responsible for at least five armed robberies in the past year in the area around Jl. Daan Mogot in West Jakarta, City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday.

Suryadi was arrested at about 5 a.m. yesterday at his house in Kalideres after Kurmawan was caught at a train station on Jl. Daan Mogot on Tuesday, the officer said.

"The duo had worked together for about a year. Their main targets were public transportation passengers, who they allegedly robbed after the people alighted from the vehicles."

Aritonang said the two suspects were believed to have operated at an empty bus shelter and quiet section of the street.

"As part of their operation, the two would immediately throw their arms around the victim as if they were close friends. Then, one of the suspects would point a knife at the victim, while the other forced the person to hand over valuables," he said.

Khalifah, believed to be the most recent victim, reported two men had used this approach to rob her as she walked home alone from a bus stop, Aritonang said.

The 22-year-old told the police that the robbers made off with Rp 130,000 in cash, a necklace, bracelet and wristwatch.

"Fortunately, she immediately reported the case to a nearby police station and provided a relatively thorough identification of the suspects which was extremely helpful to the police," Aritonang said.

The police were previously hampered in their investigation because of incomplete descriptions of the robbers by the earlier victims.

If found guilty, the men could receive maximum 12-year jail sentences, Aritonang added. (cst)