U.S. apologises for denying entry to Indonesian military chief

The United States embassy in Jakarta on Monday apologised to the Indonesian Government after its military chief General Gatot Nurmantyo was denied entry into the country, despite having an invitation from U.S. General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The apology came after Indonesia on Saturday demanded an explanation from the U.S. for not allowing its military chief to enter into their country.

According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia, Dunford had invited General Gatot Nurmantyo to Washington, D.C., to attend a conference on 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 the take-off, the delegation received a notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that they weren't permitted entry into the United States, the CNN reported.

The U.S. 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., U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, has apologised 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 U.S. Embassy.