Military is not above the law, officer says

JAKARTA (JP): No member of the Armed Forces (ABRI) is above the law and any soldier who transgresses will be punished in accordance with the law, says the military commander in East Timor.

Infantry Colonel Jhony J. Lumintang gave this assurance during a meeting with East Timor tribal leaders in Dili, capital of the province, on Tuesday, the Antara news agency reported.

Lumintang, chief of the Wira Dharma 164 Military Resort, said ABRI's presence in East Timor is intended to provide the local populace with a feeling of security, to offer counseling and to help develop various social and economic projects.

The military is also entrusted with protecting the people from the last remnants of the separatist rebels, he was quoted as saying.

His statement came in the wake of massive protests by local people against two members of the military for allegedly offending a ritual during a church ceremony.

The military has promised to launch an investigation against the two officers who have already been suspended, according to Antara.

East Timor marks its 18th anniversary since its integration with Indonesia this Sunday. The former Portuguese colony became part of the republic in 1976 after its tribal leaders, representing the majority of the people, signed a petition declaring their intention to join Indonesia. (emb)