Child abduction foiled in Batam

BATAM: Police managed to quickly foil an attempt to kidnap the daughter of a restaurant businessman in Batam, Riau Islands.

The 12-year-old, Garlin, was kidnapped Wednesday by her own uncle and two accomplices, who demanded a Rp 500 million ransom from her father.

Barelang Police chief of detectives Sr. Comr. Cristian Tory said officers had to fire shots to weaken the kidnappers as ran after their car.

Ahui, Garlin's 36-year-old uncle, admitted to the kidnapping.

"I know her parents could afford that amount. Actually I already owed a lot to them but I am ashamed to borrow more, so I forcibly kidnapped their daughter," he said. - JP