Palace regrets self-immolation protest

The Yudhoyono administration has expressed its concern over an incident on Wednesday where a man set himself ablaze in front of the state palace. His motive is unknown as he is still in critical condition.

“We regret the incident, with any motive, and hope it will be the last such incident that we will see in our lifetime,” presidential advisor Daniel Sparringa said Thursday as quoted by Antara news agency.

He said that the government encouraged all citizens to reject all forms of violence, including self-inflicted violence.

Daniel added that the freedom of expression should be used responsibly and constructively to build traditions for peaceful coexistence.