Indonesian Consul to Papua New Guinea (PNG) Jahar Gultom announced the PNG Defense Force would investigate the shooting allegedly conducted by its military personnel against Indonesian nationals.
During a meeting in Sendaun, a PNG province, the PNG Defense Force assured him it would conduct a careful investigation into the case.
Preliminary reports suggest that the incident began when Edward Aritahanu, an 18-year-old Indonesian, tried to escape when being asked what he was carrying in his boat.
Five PNG military opened fire on Edward and two other Indonesians – Meki Aritahanu, 50, and Irene Yoku, 15 – who were on their way from Jayapura, Papua, to Lido village in PNG by motorboat to meet relatives who are PNG citizens, on Wednesday.
Jahar said the PNG military fired three shots from around 60-meters away from the boat, injuriing Edward’s leg, Antara news agency reported.