He said the riots that had happened so far such as in Papua, Mesuji in Lampung and Bima in West Nusa Tenggara could not as yet be categorized as problems requiring military (TNI) action.Medan, N Sumatra (ANTARA News) - Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the riots that happened in a number of regions recently were matters still within the domain of public security and their handling was thus the responsibility of the police.
"Because they are connected with public security their handling is to be referred to the police," he said upon arrival here on Wednesday to attend a Christmas Day celebration function.
He made the statement in response to a newsman`s question over the possibility for his office getting involved in the handling of the instances of unrest in the country.
He said the riots that had happened so far such as in Papua, Mesuji in Lampung and Bima in West Nusa Tenggara could not as yet be categorized as problems requiring military (TNI) action.
As they are still within the domain of public security their handling is to be referred to the police "and so please ask the police about it," he said.
Several people have died in clashes with the police force in connection with land disputes.
Two people were killed during a clash with the police on Saturday in Sape, Bima, when demonstrators demanded the revocation of a company`s mining permit.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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