TNI starts probe into chopper deal

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) is investigating alleged irregularities in the US$21.6 million purchase of four Russian-made helicopters ordered by the Army.

TNI chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said the internal probe focused on procedural violations in the deal.

"We haven't gotten that far," Endriartono said when asked whether the TNI had named any suspects in the case. "We found there was nothing wrong with Army officials, so will look into procedural flaws."

A House of Representatives inquiry team disclosed collective violations committed by state officials in the deal and will file a report with the police on the case. -- JP