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Paspampres personnel 'procured guns for personal use', TNI claims
In the light of a recent case uncovering alleged gun-smuggling involving US military personnel, the Indonesian Military (TNI) has claimed guns procured by members of the Presidential Security Detail (Paspamres) were for personal use only, with no intention of overstepping legal procedures
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Two members of the Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres) stand guard at the Transportation Ministry on Jan 18. (ANTARA FOTO/Widodo S Jusuf)
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n the light of a recent case uncovering alleged gun-smuggling involving US military personnel, the Indonesian Military (TNI) has claimed guns procured by members of the Presidential Security Detail (Paspamres) were for personal use only, with no intention of overstepping legal procedures.
The TNI Military Police questioned eight personnel thought to be involved in the case around a year ago, TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Tatang Sulaiman said on Friday. The problem lies in the failure to fulfil certain administrative requirements for gun purchase, he added.
"[They bought the guns] on their own initiative, in order to increase their personal capabilities. They are obedient shooters and had no intention of using the guns for nefarious purposes," Tatang told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
No details have been published regarding the number or type of the guns in question.
The case went public after a US Army soldier named Audi Sumilat pleaded guilty to a US court on Wednesday to charges of participating in a scheme to buy guns in several places in the US and later sell them to Paspampres personnel. Sumilat did not own a license to export firearms and the plan started in 2014, according to reports from the Associated Press.
The 36-year-old soldier will be sentenced in October and could face a sentence of five years in prison and a fine of US$250,000. Another suspect in the case has also been charged and is scheduled to face trial on July 19. (fac/rin)
