Timor military apologizes for church incident

DILI, Timor Timur (JP): Local Military Commandant Col. Jhony J. Lumintang has apologized to local Catholics for a recent incident in which two Armed Forces (ABRI) members trampled on the bread they received from the preacher at a church in Remexio village near here.

"Leaders as well as members of the ABRI never expected such an incident, and therefore we are deeply concerned over the Remexio incident," Lumintang told journalists Wednesday night.

According to witnesses, the incident, which happened on June 28, had angered the Santo Yoseph Remexio church's worshipers, who then attacked the officers before they escaped.

Lumintang said ABRI personnel were in Remexio to help build a road. "They entered the church because they were curious. They shouldn't have gone in because they didn't know the ritual," he added.

Meanwhile, Timor Timur Governor Abilio J.O. Soares asked all parties to stay calm so as not to muddle the situation and spark social unrest.

"As a Catholic, of course I'm deeply concerned over the incident. As Governor, I would ask all Catholics to put national unity above all," he said.

"I hope journalists won't always focus on stories which may incite the emotions of the people. Please be wise in disseminating news so that peace can be maintained here," the governor said.

Abilio stated that he was sure the military will take the necessary actions to maintain harmony in the province.

Lumintang said Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Adang Rukiatna, whose territory includes Bali, Nusa Tenggara and Timor Timur, had asked him to deal with the two officers involved in the incident in line with the pertaining law.

Commenting on reports that the ABRI had arrested 11 villagers from Remexio, Lumintang stated that it had not. He said the issue was espoused by people who oppose Timor Timur's integration with Indonesia.

Farmer

Lumintang also confirmed that a member of the Armed Forces posted in the village of Asulua Raimeta in Ermera, some 75 kilometers west of here, had unintentionally shot a farmer.

He said the accidental shooting of Mario Boromeo, 35, happened on June 28 at 7:30 p.m. local time when the victim was opening an irrigation water gate in his field.

However, Lumintang did not elaborate on how the incident happened.

When asked about rumors that 12 ABRI personnel had raped a young girl in the same village days before the shooting, Lumintang challenged the journalist to prove it.

"If there is no proof, how can I say there has been a rape. It must be another lie spread by an anti-integration group," Lumintang said. (yac/11)