Two men arrested for robberies in W. Jakarta

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)