Indonesians protest outside Singapore Embassy in Jakarta against alleged mistreatment of ex-TNI soldier

Indonesians protest outside Singapore Embassy in Jakarta against alleged mistreatment of ex-TNI soldier.

Indonesians protest outside Singapore Embassy in Jakarta against alleged mistreatment of ex-TNI soldier

The Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief, General Gatot Nurmantyo, on 20 Aug lodged a note of protest against Singapore immigration's action against Lieutenant General (ret) Suryo Prabowo, to the Singapore defence attache in Indonesia. Mr Prabowo is the former chief of general staff of TNI.

General Nurmantyo was responding to a report that Mr Prabowo was denied entry to Singapore while he was transiting through the Changi Airport on 17 Aug. "As the chief of TNI, I am not pleased with the way the Singapore government has treated the former TNI soldier," he said.

Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority responded to the complaint and said: "Mr Suryo Prabowo arrived at Singapore Changi Airport on 17 August 2016. At 0535 hrs, he was interviewed by checkpoint officers for about 30 minutes. He was informed by ICA officers that the interview was part of the screening procedures for border security. After completing the interview, he was allowed to board his flight."

It further added: "As part of the immigration clearance process, travellers to Singapore may be subjected to additional interview and/or screening. These procedures are conducted at all of Singapore's checkpoints."

Today (23 Aug), a pro-military organisation, Pemuda Panca Marga (PPM), took up the issue of the "alleged mistreatment" of the retired Indonesian army general and protested at the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta.

Demonstrators carrying banners outside the Embassy Poster reads "Apologise or War"

Singapore Embassy in Jakarta said that the protest happened at about the same time it opened its Condolence Book for the passing of former President Mr S R Nathan. The Embassy further said that despite the demonstration, the signing of the Condolence Book proceeded uninterrupted inside the Embassy.

Ambassador Anil Kumar Nayar leading Embassy staff in a moment of silence.

The Jakarta police ensured law and order, as well as the safety of the Embassy during the protest.

Security personnel maintaining order

Singapore Embassy's First Secretary, Mr Au Chun Long, later met the leaders of the protesters to receive their protest note.

Mr Au meeting with the protesters