Soldiers run amok in Lampung

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