Army pledges to punish errant troops in Maluku<\/p>\n
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Army Chief of Staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto
\nhas proposed a special team be sent to Maluku to deal with
\nsoldiers who overstep their authority in the riot-hit province.<\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday before completing a two-day
\nvisit here, Tyasno pledged the supremacy of the law and promised
\nto be tough with errant soldiers.<\/p>\n
"I'm aware of people's allegations of Army involvement in
\ninstigating the conflicts in Maluku. I'm not going to defend
\nthose who are guilty.<\/p>\n
"I've spoken to the Maluku Military chief, and it seems that
\nwe lack military judges and prosecutors who can handle (military)
\nviolations here," he said.<\/p>\n
Maluku-born sociologist Thamrin Amal Tomagola is one of many
\nwho believe that the protracted sectarian conflict in Maluku
\nstems from violations committed by the Army.<\/p>\n
Ambon was rocked by violence twice last week, resulting in the
\ndeaths of at least nine people. The incidents occurred just after
\na two-day visit by Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri to
\nMaluku.<\/p>\n
Tyasno said his proposal was now awaiting the approval of
\nIndonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo A.S. He suggested the
\nlegal team comprise of members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and
\nNational Police.<\/p>\n
He said there had been obstacles in punishing troops who had
\ncommitted violations, mainly because Pattimura Military Commander
\nBrig. Gen. Max Tamaela only serves as the officer in charge of
\ncoordinating the troops. In case of a problem, the troops are
\nsent back to their respective units.<\/p>\n
"Security deployment in Maluku comes from various units
\noutside of the islands. So it will be difficult to take quick and
\nfirm action here," Tyasno said.<\/p>\n
Asked whether the latest incident marked the entry of the
\nLaskar Jihad (Jihad Force) to Maluku, Tyasno said that the Army
\nwas anticipating the group's movements.<\/p>\n
The Muslim group has threatened to wage a jihad on the
\nislands.<\/p>\n
Tyasno also asked community chiefs to list and check the
\nactivities of newcomers. (49\/48\/edt)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/army-pledges-to-punish-errant-troops-in-maluku-1447893297",
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