67 soldiers desert in Sulawesi

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: The Wirabuana Regional Military Command overseeing Sulawesi experienced 67 desertions by its members in the 1997/1998 fiscal year, Antara said, quoting the head of the command's military police.

Col. Wahyono said 126 command members committed crimes during the year; their cases have been referred to a military tribunal.

The crimes included involvement in fatal traffic accidents, adultery, battery and fighting with their colleagues.

Military tribunals dismissed 15 members during the 12-month period.