Two people shot in Indramayu brawl

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Two gangs of youth became involved in a brawl late on Saturday in Parean Girang subdistrict, Kandanghaur district, Indramayu regency, leaving two people shot and dozens of houses in the area damaged.

The incident began on Saturday night when several people from Taman Block and Nagrag II Block traded insults near the demarcation line between their respective areas. It was still not clear what the cause of the insults were.

"As they continued shouting, more and more youths arrived on the scene and the verbal dispute turned into a brawl," said Karmidi, a 40-year-old eyewitness was quoted as saying by Antara.

Every means available was used by each of the groups to attack their opponents, including stones and sticks. The stone-throwing damaged a number of houses.

Many mothers and children fled the area afraid of becoming caught up in the stone-throwing.

As the stoning continued, the sound of gunshots were unexpectedly heard. It was not immediately clear who did the shooting.

"Many of the youths from both sides ran off afraid they would be shot," said Karmidi.

The brawl came to an end immediately after the gunshots were heard. At least two people sustained gunshot wounds. Some eyewitnesses alleged that the gunshots came from the Taman Block side as the two victims were Nagrag II youths, who were later named as Ato, 18 and Muhammad, 17.

Ato was shot in his left abdomen while Muhammad was shot in the right leg.

An official at the Kandanghaur community health center said that the two had been treated at the health center but had been permitted to return home a few hours later.

Adj. Sr. Comr. Johni Suroto, the chief of the Indramayu Police, confirmed the incident. He said that police investigators had questioned an Indonesian Military (TNI) major, who had allegedly shot at the Nagrag youths.

The military officer admitted firing the shots, but said he only intended to disperse the youths and put an end to the brawl.

Police held have detained three persons for their alleged involvement in the brawl: Sulaeman, 18, from Taman Block, and Ade Sonjaya, 17 and Asep Sonjaya, 16, from the neighboring Waled Block. Situation was still tense until Monday morning in the area. Indramayu Police personnel were still patrolling the area on Monday morning to prevent any recurrence of the brawl.