Jayapura, Jubi/Antara – Cenderawasih XII Regional Military Commander Major General Fransen G Siagian said five soldiers would face a dismissal after being convicted of selling bullets to the Armed Civilian Group.
“I still continue the investigation, but I have been confirmed they are found guilty and currently under the Military Police’s custody and will take to the Military Court,” he said after the meeting with the Regional Leaders Forum, religious leaders and Papuan intellectuals at Papua Police Headquarters, Jayapura on Thursday (12/2/2015).
“I will also take the administrative procedure that is to enforce the dishonor discharge. However, their legal process will keep going, and I suggest them to have the most severe punishment or at least to get a life sentence in consideration to their wives and children, but they will surely be fired,” he said.
He further said the five soldiers acted like thorn in the Military’s body, so they must account it. “I don’t want my soldiers acting like a thorn in our body (Military),” he said. When asked about the involvement of senior officers, he said it’s still under investigation.
“I am currently discovering all. So there is no tolerance. I will strike those who did it, because somehow it means they tell someone else to put a trigger on me, to shot all of us,” he said.
“Just imagine. My soldiers sold the bullets to shot their commander. That’s amazing. It means they are becoming my enemy, so I have to strike them,” he added.
The Commander admitted he wouldn’t hesitate to crack down his sub-coordinates if they were proven against the law, moreover selling the bullets.
“I will destroy them. I am happy this case was revealed. I am not ashamed. I’ve already said that,” he said. About the motive behind the case, he said they did it for business. “It’s purely for business, financial factor,” he said.
When asked whether the military salary were not sufficient, he answered,” It’s actually fair. But why did it happen? They did it for life style. Their wives are living in Java Island. It means they have to pay extra. The living cost in Papua is expensive but they send their children to the school in Java along with their wives,” he said.
He said the process Dishonor Discharge is on going, including for three soldiers who involved in bullet trading in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency.
Earlier, in the end of January 2015, Military/Police Joint Forces arrested five soldiers who served in Cenderawasih XVII Regional Military for selling bullets to rebel group led by Puren Wenda. They are identified as First Sergeant MM (46 years old), First Sergeant NHS (24 years old), First Cadet S (27 years old, First Cadet RA (29 years old) and Sergeant Major S (39 years old). (*/rom)
