We leave the case to the police. We are concerned about two Army personnel who, if I am not mistaken, were injured in the blast. May they recover and return to work soon,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) left the case of smoke grenade blast at National Monument (Monas), Jakarta, Tuesday, to the police for investigation and ensured the capital city was safe and secure, presidential spokesman Fadjroel Rachman stated.

"We leave the case to the police. We are concerned about two Army personnel who, if I am not mistaken, were injured in the blast. May they recover and return to work soon," he remarked on Tuesday afternoon.

Rachman noted that the president had learnt of the blast in the northern part of Monas Square.

"(The president learnt about the blast) this morning while on his way to here. He is scheduled to meet with the minister of research and technology at 9:30 a.m. local time and later with the rector of UI (University of Indonesia) and Japanese (guests)," he remarked.

Rachman revealed that Jokowi had yet to issue special directives in connection with the blast. However, if there is an indication of violent act, the police must be stern in dealing with it, he emphasized.

"As usual, he stated that we must stand firm against any violent act regardless of what the motive is. The case is left to the police (to investigate) and thereafter the chief of the National Police will likely report it to Mr President," he stated.

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police confirmed earlier in the day that the blast had inflicted injuries on two military personnel, identified as Sgt Major Fajar and Master Private Gunawan.

The injured military personnel were engaged in sports when the blast took place, Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector General Gatot Eddy Pramono told journalists on Tuesday.

The wounded victims were the eyewitnesses since they were among those who first knew and heard the blast. However, these eyewitnesses are still receiving medical treatment for their injuries, he added. Related news: Military spokesman denies blast in Jakarta's Monas Square an attack

Related news: Two TNI personnel become eye witnesses of Monas Square blast: police

Translator: Livia Kristianti/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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