December 19, 2006

Security in areas bordering E. Timor conducive: army chief

Yogyakarta (ANTARA News) - Security conditions in area bordering Timor Leste (East Timor) have remained conducive, Army Chief of Staff Gen Djoko Santoso said here on Tuesday.

"Security conditions in the border areas are now conducive enough for the National Defense Forces (TNI) to reduce the number of its personnel there," Djoko Santoso said after leading a ceremony marking Infantry Day 2006 at Yogyakarta`s North Square.

Present at the Infantry Day ceremony were a number of ranking Army officers and Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X.

To maintain security in areas adjoining East Timor, the TNI would cooperate with the police and immigration office, Djoko said.

"The same is also true about security maintenance at the border between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea," Djoko added.

Asked about the security situation ahead of Christmas and New Year, the army chief said TNI personnel would cooperate with the police to ensure public security and order.

Commenting on the recent murder of a TNI soldier in Papua, Djoko Santoso said the case was being investigated by the police. (*)