Victim injured in $5,000 robbery

JAKARTA (JP): A couple carrying US$5,000 was robbed as they were about to brunch on soto betawi chicken soup in South Jakarta on Tuesday.

One of the victims, identified as 40-year-old Reni Effan, was badly injured after being struck with a machete by the assailants.

South Jakarta Police detective chief for theft crimes, Second. Insp. Santiko, said Reni and her husband had just withdrawn $5,000 from the Cipete branch of Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) earlier in the morning.

The money was reportedly withdrawn to pay for the their planned haj pilgrimage.

"The couple were supposed to fetch their child from school at about 12 p.m., but they decided to have breakfast together first. So, the couple drove to Jl. Lebak Bulus I, for soto betawi at one of their favorite food vendors in the area," Santiko said.

As the husband was parking their car, Reni got out and walked toward the food vendor, carrying her purse containing the cash.

"Suddenly, two men on a motorcycle drove past, and demanded Reni hand over her purse. When she did not, they struck each of Reni's arms with a machete. Reni still did not hand over the purse," Santiko said.

"The men then moved toward Reni's husband who had gotten out of the jeep. As they were about to strike him, Reni, who was scared out of her wits, screamed and threw her purse at the attackers."

The robbers then sped off.

Reni is currently receiving treatment at Fatmawati Hospital in South Jakarta. (ylt)