The Jakarta Post, 10/26/2004 4:36:11 PM
Eight Islamic militants named suspects over nightspot raids
JAKARTA (AFP): Indonesian police said on Tuesday they had named eight people as
suspects in attacks by Muslim militants on a cafe and a pool hall during the Muslim
fasting month of Ramadhan.
Jakarta police chief Firman Gani said only three of the suspects had been detained
while the other five were still at large.
Hundreds of members of the Islamic Defenders' Front raided a cafe and bar in a busy
South Jakarta district frequented by foreigners on Friday. The group also attacked a
pool hall in Tangerang just west of Jakarta a week earlier.
The group accused the establishments of flouting operating restrictions during
Ramadhan.
Gani said four suspects were wanted for the cafe attack and the other four were linked
to the poll hall raid. Three of these are already in detention.
"The police chief in South Jakarta has declared four men as suspect and they are
currently under pursuit so that they can account for the destruction in Kemang
(area)," he said.
Police have been criticized for failing to anticipate and stop the attacks.
Members of the Islamic Defenders' Front broke into Star Deli and Star Bar in South
Jakarta late Friday, smashing windows and destroying a drink display case and
seating booths.
Officials have said the cafe had not broken any rule as it was not among
establishments which must close down during Ramadhan, which began on Oct. 15.
Police allegedly did not stop the attackers even though some officers were nearby.
(**)
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