144 Laskar Merah Putih
members detained

West Jakarta police officers on Tuesday detained 144 out of 150 members of the Laskar Merah Putih mass organization, who police said had been accused of hindering West Jakarta court officers from executing a court order to secure land and a building in Tanjung Duren for its rightful owner.

"We released six members who are still underage," Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto told reporters on Wednesday.

He said the six people were still obliged to make weekly mandatory reports to the police.

He added that the action was based on West Jakarta court decree and the hinderers refused the officers' order to leave the location. The police are still studying the case to find out who gave the order to the group.

Rikwanto said they would be charged under Article 214 of the Criminal Code for hindering officers from their legal actions. They might face seven years of imprisonment if convicted.