Vendors face 18 months in jail

JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor demanded the Central Jakarta District Court to sentence three roadside vendors involved in a riot and the arson of the Tanah Abang district office building to 18 months' imprisonment.

Prosecutor AB Baskara was quoted by Suara Pembaruan afternoon daily yesterday as saying that the three violated Article 170 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five and a half years' imprisonment.

Baskara said on Jan. 27, the three men, Yafrizal bin Ali Basaraya, 23, Ade Komarudin bin Ali Amran, 23, and Ari Yanto bin Djakir, 20, were involved in a violent clash between hundreds of roadside vendors and city public order officials in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta.

The traders said they were provoked after five public order officials allegedly drove over their wares, hitting one person.

The clash culminated in the burning of two municipal buildings and seven cars. (cst)