Kupang. A middle-ranking policeman has been detained for breaching protocols during the Good Friday procession at a Catholic church in the East Nusa Tenggara capital of Kupang.

The officer, identified by his initials First Inspector DH, allegedly consumed two servings of sacramental wine during the Good Friday service, exceeding the church's guideline of one serving.

When clergymen warned him about the breach, the officer reportedly refused to comply, leading to a heated exchange during the procession, said Kupang Police Chief Aldinan Manurung.

"We deeply regret the incident and are taking stern disciplinary measures against the officer,” Aldinan said on Saturday. “He was arrested yesterday and is being interrogated by the internal security division.”

The officer in question was part of the security detail assigned to guard the church during the procession and was also participating in the ritual as a Christian.

Aldinan revealed that several churchgoers and clergymen have been questioned as witnesses during the investigation.

DH faces charges of ethics and disciplinary violations, although Aldinan did not disclose the potential sanctions against him.

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