THE PNG GOVERNMENT says it will not accept a pilot error apology from Indonesia after one of its military helicopters violated PNG's airspace near the Wutung border post.

Foreign affairs minister Don Polye says the action by the Indonesia military helicopter is a violation of the border treaties. He says the incursion is a clear breach of the bilateral agreements between PNG and Indonesia.

"It is a very serious concern to the PNG government and I have summoned the Indonesian ambassador expressing the PNG government views," Mr Polye said.

He says the Indonesian Ambassador in Port Moresby said it was a pilot error, but the government will not accept that.

"I am not satisfied and I have ordered PNG authorities that there will be no diplomatic discussion or to accept an apology from the Indonesian military until the issue is resolved at the government to government level," Mr Polye said.

The West Sepik border with Indonesia has now been re-opened after being closed following the unexplained flight by an unidentified Indonesian military helicopter over the military checkpoint at Wutung and five kilometres inland, causing locals to panic.

Father Tomy Tomas of the Catholic diocese in Vanimo says the incident caused confusion.

“The helicopter flew over the PNG border without permission. Now that created some commotion for the people, not knowing what or why they’re making such a helicopter flying over the PNG boundary without due permission. It created confusion among the officers so they just closed it.”

Sources: Radio New Zealand International and Australia Network News