Intl probe of Malaysian airliner crash demanded

JAKARTA -- Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Friday if investigations prove the Malaysian jetliner was shot down, the perpetrators must be brought to justice as the act was against the international law and the law of war.

Malaysian Flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, with 298 passengers and crew onboard.

"Report indicates that the plane was shot down by a missile related to the recent conflict situation in Ukraine. If this is proven, this would constitute a serious violation of the international law and law of war," the president told a news briefing at the State Palace.

President Yudhoyono stressed that an international investigation had to be carried out immediately and Indonesia is ready to take part in the investigation.

"Indonesia expects the perpetrators will be strongly punished."

As for the plan of the United Nations Security Council to hold a session on the inccident, Yudhoyono said "Indonesia is fully support it and expects the Security Council to take serious steps immediately."

He also called for the other Southeast Asian countries to help Malaysia address the problem.