Jakarta – Indonesian Military commander Gen. Djoko Santoso apologized to the public over the incident in Sentani, Papua, where soldiers staged violent protests against their commander.

"The situation over there is under control. I regret it and apologize to the public in Sentani who were disturbed by the incident as well as to the media whose safety was in danger," he said, after meeting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta on Thursday.

The Jayapura army base erupted violently Wednesday as Battalion 751 Sentani soldiers protested over what they said was the theft of their money.

The rioting began during celebrations of West Papua's integration into Indonesia. Soldiers demanded the battalion's commander, Lieutenant Colonel Labok Sihotang, be held responsible for his actions.

Army chief of staff Gen. Agustadi Sasongko visited the battalion Thursday morning, and Sihotang was immediately dismissed from his position following the visit.

Gen. Santoso said the military would investigate the incident thoroughly and would take legal actions against anyone violating military rules. "Of course, there will be sanctions. Everyone involved will be processed and tried," he was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.