Parliament Endorses Shooting of Rioters

Indonesia’s parliament endorsed the military’s policy of shooting rioters on sight, amid fresh bloodshed at both ends of the vast archipelago. At least 20 people died over the weekend in renewed Christian-Muslim violence in the eastern region once known as the Spice Islands and two more in the restive western province of Aceh, officials said. The parliament endorsed armed forces commander Gen. Wiranto’s orders to his troops to shoot rioters or troublemakers on sight. Wiranto’s deputy, Maj. Gen. Agus Wirahadikusumah, said the military was also raising an elite rapid-response squad to tackle fresh outbreaks of unrest.