No brothels for soldiers

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Sriwijaya Military Commander Maj. Gen. Soetardjo, who oversees South Sumatra, Lampung, Jambi and Bengkulu, has given strict orders barring soldiers from local prostitution areas.

The order was issued following the death of two soldiers while visiting such establishments.

Sgt. Harno from the Suak Kandis Military Precinct in Jambi, was shot dead by policemen in Payo Sigadung, a prostitution area in Jambi, on April 19.

Six policemen are being detained over the incident.

Earlier at the same location Pvt. Jack died after being stabbed in a fight.

Apart from preventing a repeat of such incidents, Soetardjo said soldiers engaged in such activity only gave a negative image to the military corps in general.

"I will take stern disciplinary action against soldiers who are found entering prostitution houses. I have instructed the military police division to watch prostitution areas", he warned. (33)