Marsudi Summons Us Envoy, Seeks Clarification on General's Travel Ban

Jakarta, (Antara Sumbar) - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister on Monday summoned US Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia, Erin Elizabeth Mckee, following a report that the Indonesian National Army Commander General Gatot Nurmantyo was denied entry into the US territory.

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said here at the Presidential Palace, in the presence of President Joko Widodo on Monday, that during the meeting with the US envoy, the US Embassy had, firstly, called for the importance of maintaining the relations between Indonesia and US in good condition.

Secondly, the US embassy confirmed that Nurmantyo planned the visit after receiving an invitation from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford.

"Thirdly, they regretted and apologized for the inconvenience caused. They also stated that the restrictions had been revoked," Marsudi stated, adding that Nurmantyo was allowed to continue his travel to US.

Marsudi also reported to Widodo that the US Government had welcomed the general's visit and had not imposed any restriction to his visit.

"We are still waiting for a clarification and an explanation regarding the incident," Marsudi noted.

During the meeting, which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier this morning at around 7:45 a.m., The Deputy Ambassador Mckee, representing Donovan, who is currently away from Jakarta, remarked that the US Embassy would continue to coordinate with US authorities to find out the matter.

Although it was night in Washington, it has become an urgency for the Indonesian Government to receive explanation and clarification regarding the matter," Marsudi revealed.

Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC has also sent a diplomatic note to the US Department of State seeking clarification.

Marsudi reemphasized that US was a good partner of Indonesia, and both have developed a strategic partnership.

Nurmantyo was reported to have been stopped by the US Custom and Border Protection before boarding on a commercial flight from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta on Saturday.

It was reported that Nurmantyo and his delegation were not allowed to enter US territory by the US Custom and Border Protection.

On Sunday, the US Embassy to Indonesia issued a statement to apologize for the inconvenience and stated that it was prepared to facilitate the General's travel to the US.

Meanwhile, a communication between Dunford and Nurmantyo was being arranged. (*)

Editor: Vicha Faradika