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Indonesian Army Chief Denies Military's Involvement in Bombing
Indonesian Army Chief of Staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto Thursday denied allegations that elements of the Military (TNI) were involved in Tuesday's bomb explosion in Central Jakarta.
"Those who accused the TNI (of being involved in the bombing) just want to undermine the unity and cohesion in Indonesia," Tyasno told reporters in Makassar, capital of South Sulawesi province.
Tyasno was in Makassar to preside over the transfer of the post of chief of the Wirabuana regional military command overseeing Sulawesi.
"We should promote alertness. Do not let ourselves be pitted against others by certain parties who want to instigate unrest," he was quoted by the Antara News Agency as saying.
Tyasno also did not rule out the possibility that the bombing was the handiwork of international terrorists.
"Now is an era of globalization, when borders between countriescan be easily crossed. The increasingly sophisticated communication and information system has also enhanced the acts of terrorism," he added.
On Tuesday, a powerful bomb blast in front of the residence of Philippine Ambassador Leonides T. Caday in Central Jakarta left two persons dead and 21 others, including the Philippine envoy, seriously injured.
Jakarta Police Chief Inspector General Nurfaizi Thursday told reporters that his office is probing the statement of a group which calls itself Mujahiddin Khandaq from the Philippines, which has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's bombing.
"The vice president of the Philippines however said there is no such organization in her country," Nurfaizi said.
A day after the massive explosion, the Jakarta Police received a facsimile message from Mujahiddin Khandaq.
Nurfaizi said the letter is considered important information but the authorities are still evaluating its authenticity.
"We are closely coordinating with the Philippine authorities in investigating the bombing," he added.
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