Jakarta – Around 400 residents attacked and vandalized an Air Force post in Ujung Genteng, a village in Ciracap, part of the Sukabumi district in West Java, after a fight broke out between a local resident and an Air Force officer on Sunday evening (12/02).

The attack was triggered by a scuffle between a man from Ujung Genteng and an on-duty Air Force officer, identified as First Corporal Oka Prasetyo.

The Air Force officer reportedly beat up the local man, who in turn reported the incident to his family, prompting anger among villagers.

Soon after that, around 400 Ujung Genteng residents attacked the Air Force post and vandalized two buildings in the area at around 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Air Force spokesman Air Commodore Jemi Trisonjaya said 1st Corp. Oka Prasetyo had already apologized to the victim's parents just before the attack happened, as reported by state news agency Antara.

Oka was injured during the attack and was rushed to the nearby Gunung Batu Public Health Center for treatments, Jemi added. Officers from the Ciracap police station managed to control the situation and persuaded the residents to return home at around 9.15 p.m.

Officer's arrogant attitude to blame

Separately, Air Force Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto deplored the assault committed by his officer and his arrogant attitude.

"We should be a role model in society. We should never resort to violence to resolve petty disputes, that will only hurt people's heart," Hadi said.

Hadi has instructed Air Force officers to visit the victim's family to apologize and restore good relationship with Ujung Genteng residents.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/residents-attack-air-force-post-west-java-scuffle-officer/