Jakarta - The Jakarta Police will charge the driver of a Daihatsu Xenia who ran into 12 pedestrians on Jan. 15, killing nine and critically injuring three, with murder under article 338 of the Criminal Code.

The 28-year-old driver, identified as Apriyani Susanti, has already been charged with reckless driving and drug abuse.

"She may face a maximum of 15 years in prison," City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Rikwanto said that the police had decided to charge Apriyani with murder after considering testimony from witnesses, as well as evidence gathered from the crime scene investigation.

A police laboratory test reportedly confirmed Apriyani was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the crash, which took place in the Central Jakarta area of Gambir.

Her three friends, who apparently were traveling with her in the car, have also been named as drug abuse suspects. (mtq)

--Courtesy of The Jakarta Post