Robertus Wardi & Carlos Ky Paath & Christian Lee, Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security Wiranto said law enforcers have arrested a former commander of the Army Special Forces, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Sunarko, for alleged treason and smuggling of arms.

"Sunarko's arrest is related to his remarks [in a video] giving orders to his men, which was recorded and made viral," Wiranto said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He said the firearms were allegedly smuggled from Aceh at Sunarko's request, but police are still conducting further investigation.

"[The arrest of Sunarko] is linked with the presence of illegal arms from Aceh, which [Sunarko] allegedly requested for a specific purpose that we don't know about. It is a violation of the law. That is what the police are investigating now, we are waiting for the results," he said.

Sunarko's arrest should not be associated with a political move or the recent elections, the chief security minister said. "Law enforcers will take firm action against anyone who violates the law," Wiranto said.

Sunarko was reported for treason to the National Police on Monday. He has been interrogated and is currently being detained at the Military Police's detention center in Guntur, South Jakarta.

When asked about the possible involvement of former Jakarta military commander and deputy defense minister Syafrie Syamsuddin in the case, Wiranto said that police are still looking into it.

Indonesian Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Sisriadi said Sunarko was arrested along with another person that is currently active in the military, "Praka BP." They are both still under investigation.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/context/former-army-general-arrested-for-allegedly-smuggling-firearms