Troops to stay in Maluku

Troops to stay in Maluku

AMBON: The Indonesian Military (TNI) has no plan to withdraw its soldiers from checkpoints in the provinces of Maluku and North Maluku.

Army chief of staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Tuesday he would listen to the wishes by governors of the two provinces.

Ryamizard said the Maluku governor wanted the soldiers to stay in the province to secure preparations for gubernatorial elections, dates for which are yet to be set.

The four-star general was in Ambon to install Maj. Gen. Agustadi as commander of the Pattimura military command, replacing Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso.

Ryamizard said the emergency status in the provinces would soon be reviewed soon. --Antara