MOB ATTACK KILLS ONE IN EAST JAKARTA

JAKARTA - At least one was killed and another seriously wounded
when a mob looted and burned a rehabilitation, education and public
health center owned by Doulos Foundation in Cipayung area, East
Jakarta, Wednesday night.

The dead victim was identified as Ratiman, 31, who worked as a guard
at the center. The one seriously wounded is Dominggos, 21, a
university student and a resident at the center.

The Indonesian Christian University (UKI) Hospital in East Jakarta
meanwhile said it had taken in 11 people who suffered burns.

City Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman who visited the site
said the attack began at around 8.30 p.m, involving hundreds of local
residents. Amirudin, a local resident who lives next to the center,
said however that the attackers were not from the area, Antara reported.

"I was on my way home from the mosque when I saw a group of people
gather in front of the center. Suddenly, they started looting and set
the buildings on fire," said Amirudin, adding that none of the
attackers came from the area.

Lieke Maramis, a Doulos volunteer in charge of the foster parent
program, confirmed Amirudin's statement.

"We received threats two weeks ago from unknown people and had to send
home the children, mental and drug patients home. They returned after
we held a meeting with the mayor and area leaders who guaranteed their
safety," Maramis told The Jakarta Post.

The foundation has around 3,000 foster children from all over the
country, over 100 mental patients, mostly elderly people, and about 50
youths who are undergoing treatment for drug problems.

Until this news item went to press fire was still razing the center as
the mob continued looting. The fire engines did not arrive until
11.45, over two hours after the fire started.