Indonesia seek explanations after US denies entry to its military chief

Indonesia has demanding an explanation after its military chief General Gatot Nurmantyo was denied entry into the United States on Saturday, despite having an invitation from US General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

CNN quoted Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir as saying that the government was seeking clarification from the US government on what had happened.

According to a statement from the US Embassy in Indonesia, Dunford had invited General Gatot Nurmantyo to Washington, D.C., to attend a conference Monday and Tuesday on combating violent extremism.

Nurmantyo and his wife were set to board an Emirates flight in Jakarta for Washington on Saturday evening but shortly before takeoff, the delegation received notice from US Customs and Border Protection that they weren't permitted entry to the United States, CNN reported.

The US Embassy said in a statement that it was in touch with the General's staff throughout the weekend, working to facilitate his travel.

Joseph R. Donovan Jr., US Ambassador to Indonesia, has apologized to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi for any inconvenience to General Gatot.

"We remain committed to our Strategic Partnership with Indonesia as a way to deliver security and prosperity to both our nations and peoples," said the US embassy.