Soldiers accused of extortion
<p>Soldiers accused of extortion</p><p> JAKARTA (JP): Logging companies in Sorong, Irian Jaya, have
accused members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) of practicing
extortion by using regional military commander Col. TH
Sinambela's name, Antara reported on Thursday.</p><p>"These delinquent members of the Army forced companies to give
them Rp 10 million (US$1,300) or face the military commander,"
said Ruut Osok, a businessman who claims his company is being
extorted.</p><p>The extortion has caused reluctance among companies to
continue their business in the area, he said.</p><p>"This is a shame because the companies provide work for the
local community," Ruut said.</p><p>Col. TH Sinambela vehemently denied he had anything to do with
the practice, saying he never gave orders to take money from
companies.</p><p>"If members of the Army use my name to extort money, do not
hesitate to report to me. I will deal with them," he said.</p><p>He said TNI does not condone misconduct among its members.
(10)</p>
accused members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) of practicing
extortion by using regional military commander Col. TH
Sinambela's name, Antara reported on Thursday.</p><p>"These delinquent members of the Army forced companies to give
them Rp 10 million (US$1,300) or face the military commander,"
said Ruut Osok, a businessman who claims his company is being
extorted.</p><p>The extortion has caused reluctance among companies to
continue their business in the area, he said.</p><p>"This is a shame because the companies provide work for the
local community," Ruut said.</p><p>Col. TH Sinambela vehemently denied he had anything to do with
the practice, saying he never gave orders to take money from
companies.</p><p>"If members of the Army use my name to extort money, do not
hesitate to report to me. I will deal with them," he said.</p><p>He said TNI does not condone misconduct among its members.
(10)</p>