Alleged drunk driver hits six in Jakarta

Jakarta Police have arrested North Jakarta resident Ronald Utomo, 30, and his friend Qi Hui, 28, for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and hitting six people early on Wednesday.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto said that Ronald was driving his grey Nissan Grand Livina car at about 100 kilometers per hour on Jl. Gajah Mada in Central Jakarta when he entered the Transjakarta bus lane and hit a motorcycle at 3:30 a.m.

“When the car entered the bus lane, it hit a motorcycle and dragged two people riding it up to 200 meters,” Rikwanto told reporters. According to Rikwanto, the two victims are being treated at Husada hospital in North Jakarta.

Ronald and Qi Hui were heading to their home in PIK Long Beach housing complex after spending time in Duta Merlin shopping center.

The car fled the scene and headed to Kota railway station in West Jakarta. On its way, it crashed into a motorcyclist, who remained unidentified as of Wednesday afternoon.

A taxi driver named Jaan Ali witnessed the accident and followed Ronald, Rikwanto said.

The reckless driving continued when Ronald hit two people riding one motorcycle: National Police officer Wahyu and his girlfriend. Ronald fled the scene but Jaan Ali stopped tailing him and decided to help the victims.

“The grey car ran into another motorcyclist as it tried to reach the toll gate heading to Ancol, North Jakarta,” said Rikwanto.

Another taxi driver spotted Ronald’s actions and followed him. Ronald became aware of being followed and tried to bump his car into the taxi several times.

The taxi driver managed to keep following Ronald until the latter's home. He told police about the accident and gave them Ronald’s address.

“The two have been taken to the National Police’s forensics laboratory for a urine test. They were allegedly under the influence of alcohol last night,” said Rikwanto. (aml/riz/lfr)