Vendors face jail terms for rioting

JAKARTA (JP): A state prosecutor asked the Central Jakarta District Court yesterday to sentence four sidewalk vendors to between 10 and 18 months' imprisonment for their role in the Tanah Abang market riot in January.

Prosecutor Petrus Sambara charged Hadi Subarno, 39, Erri Suanto, 28, Daniel H. Tanjung, 22 and Willem Morgan, 17, under Article 170 of the Criminal Code for jointly and deliberately using force against another person.

The offense carries a maximum five-and-a-half years' imprisonment.

Willem was also charged with arson, which under Article 184 of the Criminal Code is punishable with up to 12 years' imprisonment.

The prosecutor demanded 18 months for Willem, 16 months each for Daniel and Subarna, and 10 months for Erri.

The four defendants admitted taking part in the riot, which saw the Tanah Abang district office gutted and four cars parked outside burned.

The riot was sparked after a row between vendors and the market's security officers.

Petrus said the defendants' behavior caused public unrest and disrupted public service at the district office. "They are responsible for the damage to the four cars. In addition, Willem threw lit matches at the burning building and cars," he said.

He cited the defendants' admission of guilt, and, in two cases, their young age, as mitigating circumstances. "Besides, it was a spontaneous reaction toward the market's security officers' cruel conduct," he said.

Four other men have been convicted for their part in the riot, receiving jail terms of between eight months and one year.

The trial was adjourned until next week for the defense statement. (12)