Soldiers detained over Papuan independence leader's murder

JAKARTA, March 27 (Kyodo) - The Indonesian military has detained at least three soldiers for questioning over their suspected involvement in the murder of Papuan pro-independence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay late last year, a local newspaper reported Wednesday. 

Koran Tempo daily quoted Indonesian Defense Force (TNI) spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as saying there is a ''strong indication'' of the involvement of the soldiers in Eluay's death. 

No status, however, has been put on the detained military members as they are still being questioned, Sjafrie said. 

The report said Brig. Gen. Hendardji, deputy commander of the Military Police Center, reported the results of an investigation conducted by his unit to TNI Commander Adm. Widodo Adisutjipto late Tuesday. 

Both, however, refused to disclose the results of the investigation, the paper said. 

Military sources said at least three members of the army's Special Force Command (KOPASSUS) -- a major, a captain and a low-ranking soldier -- may have been involved in the killing. 

KOPASSUS Commander Maj. Gen. Amirul Isnaini, however, has strongly denied the possible involvement of his members. 

''No single soldier under my command was found involved until now,'' he said. 

Insp. Gen. Engkesman Hillep, member of the National Investigating Committee, an independent team set up by the government to investigate the murder, denied that the military police have uncovered involvement of KOPASSUS members in Eluay's death. 

Eluay was found dead on Nov. 11 after being kidnapped a day earlier by a group of unidentified men while en route from the Papuan provincial capital of Jayapura to his home. 

The Papuan leader was returning from dinner at a KOPASSUS compound when he was kidnapped, raising speculation that KOPASSUS might be behind his killing. 

Police have said there have been indications of military involvement, but the army has repeatedly denied any role.