Soldiers run amok in Lampung

BANDAR LAMPUNG: Dozens of Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel went on the rampage at Bandar Lampung's Rajabasa bus terminal on Monday afternoon, destroying a police post and sidewalk eateries in the process.

The violence was triggered by a reported misunderstanding between Privates David and Alex and civilians Mukti and Nasir, two ticket scalpers operating at the bus terminal.

The cause of the misunderstanding was not known but Mukti and Nasir suddenly shouted "thieves", while pointing at the two soldiers, prompting bystanders to chase after them and beat them up.

David sustained a cut over his right eyebrow, while Alex suffered head wounds. They were also robbed of a total of Rp 3 million.

Two hours later, dozens of soldiers from the Army's 143rd Tri Wira Eka Jaya Battalion, South Lampung, came to the Rajabasa bus terminal to find the attackers. While hunting the attackers, they also vented their rage on the police post and sidewalk eateries.

Lampung Military Commander Col. Chaeruddin Yusuf promised to investigate the incident and take firm action against those involved.

"The police have pledged to investigate who was behind the incident and civilians have also pledged their help in finding the attackers," Chaeruddin said. --Antara