Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) deployed officers to help maintain peace after clashes in Temanggung, Central Java, on Tuesday.

"There are about 700 military officers who are deployed to help maintain peace in Temanggung," National Police Spokesman Senior Commissioner Boy Rafli Amar said here on Tuesday.

He said that in order to provide preventive efforts the TNI was involved in safeguarding the Central Java city of Temanggung.

The police spokesman said that the incident was linked to sensitive religious issues (SARA) so that everybody was expected to play a role (in preventing the spread of the violence).

"We know the potential of a SARA conflict where this issue is extremely sensitive so that it is necessary to call on the people to maintain peace and preserve conducive conditions," he said.

It was recorded that three churches and two vehicles of the Central Java Police`s Mass Control Unit were destroyed by angry mobs.

"We are still investigating those involved in the anarchic acts because we have to firmly act upon those who are involved in unlawful deed," he said.

The incident flared up following a clash during a court session on a religious blasphemy case involving suspect Antonius Richmond Bawengan in Tamanggung district court on Tuesday.(*)

Editor: Ruslan Burhani
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