The United States Ambassador to Indonesia, Scot Marciel, says lax law enforcement was responsible for cases of violence against minority groups in the country, including Papua.
The Jakarta Post quotes Mr Marciel as saying he is aware of the alleged involvement of security officials in fatal shootings in Papua.
He says the Indonesian government must be able to apply rule of law to address both intolerant acts and alleged violence committed by members of the security forces.
Mr Marciel says the rule of law is key to addressing human rights abuse and cases of religious intolerance, adding that strict implementation could prevent recurrence of such violations.
