Police First Adj. Insp. Budiono:
He could have finished me off

Police Officer Budiono feels like his life has been given a new lease. He barely escaped death in the Thamrin shootout three weeks ago. Shot at close range, the bullet grazed his lungs and wounded his innards. Budiono almost died on the operation table. He was unconscious for more than three days.

The terrorist attack known as the Sarinah incident has changed Budiono's life. He has been grateful ever since, after he passed the most critical stage in his medical treatment. He received a gold pin and an extraordinary promotion from the National Police. Most importantly, he is now fired with new resolve. "I no longer smoke," said Budiono, 43, who was a heavy smoker before the shooting incident.