Indonesian army officers and commander sacked over mutiny

Last Updated: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:46:00 +1000

The commander of an Indonesian army battalion which revolted against its officers in the province of Papua has been dismissed from his post.

An army spokesman says the move came a day after about 200 troops rioted over their officers' reported refusal to pay the full costs of returning a dead soldier's body to his family in another province.

They fired shots in the air, stormed their commander's office, smashed windows, threatened journalists and reportedly blocked roads during several hours of mayhem.

Three middle ranked officers have also been dismissed.

Indonesia's Army Chief of Staff, General Sasongko went to the scene of the uprising in Sentani, Papua to reassert control.

He told reporters after meeting the President in Jakarta that he regrets the incident and apologised to the people in Sentani who were disturbed, including the journalists.

He says the rebellious troops will be punished according to the law.