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Papuan footballer demands answers after alleged attack by soldier

Source
Jakarta Globe - May 19, 2011

A member of a high-profile Indonesian football team, Persipura Jayapura, is demanding answers for what he says was an unprovoked attack by a knife-wielding soldier on Wednesday night.

Persipura midfielder Gerald Pangkali said he was riding a motorcycle past the headquarters of the Papua military command in Padang Bulan at 10:20 p.m. when a soldier began chasing him and "tried to stab me."

The 28-year-old footballer told state news agency Antara that he was able to avoid serious injury after abandoning his motorcycle and fleeing on foot.

Gerald said he required treatment for a centimeter-long wound to his back but did not need to spend the night in hospital.

He said he lodged a complaint with Papua Military Police on Thursday morning. "I demand the Military Police investigate this thoroughly."

The Army is yet to comment on the incident in the province, where alleged abuses by members of the security forces are commonplace.

Persipura, which in the last 16 of the Asian Champions League, currently leads the Indonesian Super League with 48 points after 22 matches. (Antara/JG)

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