Military is not above the law, officer says

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)