Military Chief Begs Forgiveness

VIVAnews - Chief of Indonesian Military General Djoko Santoso expressed his apology to the Papua people who had been threatened by the soldier demonstration before the headquarters of Battalion 751 Sentani, Jayapura.

"I regret over the incident and apologise to the people, including journalists whose safety have been injured," said Santoso after a close meeting with several state security high-officials and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the state palace on Thursday, April 30.

Gen. Santoso explained that the security issue in the area is under control.

According to Gen Santoso, Gen. Agustadi Sasongko Purnomo, the chief of Indonesian Army, has been assigned to the area as the security chief.

The chief also stated that the soldiers who are alleged of violating order will be pressed with appropriate sanction, which will be decided through a trial process. He said that the issue is still being processed.

President Yudhoyono has instructed the military to solve the issue properly.

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Translated by: Ariyantri E. Tarman