Semarang – A group of Timorese-Indonesians living in Central Java demanded on Wednesday a thorough investigation into an incident on Friday in which three former militia members were killed by Timor Leste border police.

"We strongly condemn the shooting," said Batista Sufa Kefi of the National Committee for East Timorese Political Victims.

Batista said he had sent a letter to the Central Java Legislative Council, urging it to convey the protest to the central government.

"We ask the Timor Leste government to take responsibility for the incident and demand that they apologize to the Indonesian government," he said.

Batista went on to add that Indonesia should close down the border with Timor Leste to prevent intruders from entering Indonesian territory.

He urged the government to take a stern stance on the incident, including severing diplomatic relations with Timor Leste if necessary.

Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda earlier said the shooting was the result of "excessive force" and demanded a joint investigation. His Timor Leste counterpart Jose Ramos-Horta has expressed regret but said the victims were former militiamen who entered his country illegally and allegedly attacked police.