Iman Mahditama, Jakarta – The Jakarta Military Command said Friday that the military police had arrested two soldiers for reportedly assaulting a man near the entrance gate of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in East Jakarta on Sunday.

"We have to act firmly toward undisciplined soldiers. We will dismiss them if necessary," said Military Commander Maj. Gen. Waris. Waris, however, declined to disclose the soldiers' identities.

Waris said that the assault took place at 12:30 a.m. and was triggered by a misunderstanding between the soldiers and a group of civilians who were hanging out near the TMII gate.

Reports said that 15 soldiers carrying a machete wrapped in newspaper approached the civilians, who were playing guitar, and shouted at them. A soldier allegedly assaulted one of the civilians with the machete, inflicting a slash wound on his back and one of his temple. (lfr)