Two taxi drivers hurt in attack

INDONESIA: Two taxi drivers suffered serious injuries in an attack by about 50 unidentified men near Lippo Supermal in Karawaci, Tangerang, west of Jakarta, on Saturday at 3 a.m.

The injured taxi drivers were identified as Erwin Siahaan and Kardinal. They were taken to the nearby Al-Qadr Hospital before being rushed to Sumber Waras Hospital in West Jakarta.

Officers on duty at the Tangerang military resort command in front of the mall failed to stop the attack.

"About 50 people armed with rocks and wooden and iron sticks jumped out of a truck. They quickly attacked the drivers, who were waiting for passengers," said the officer.

Other drivers managed to flee the scene.

Four taxis parked in the nearby shelter were also damaged in the attack.

Curug Police subprecinct chief Adj. Comr. I Ketut Sudarsana alleged that the attack was sparked by a dispute with taxi drivers from a different company, but added that the case would be fully investigated. -- JP