Hostage release may discourage separatism<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Two observers say the recent success of the
\nArmed Forces (ABRI) in freeing nine people held hostage for
\nmonths by Free Papua Movement rebels will deter the separatist
\nmovement and other similar organizations.<\/p>\n
Maswadi Rauf of the University of Indonesia's School of Social
\nand Political Sciences and B.N. Marbun of House Commission I for
\nsecurity and political affairs praised ABRI.<\/p>\n
They expressed the expectation that the separatist movements
\nin various parts of Indonesia would cease activities in the face
\nof ABRI's expertise.<\/p>\n
\"The successful military operation has increased the image of
\nthe Indonesian Armed Forces and government in the international
\nsociety,\" Maswadi told The Jakarta Post yesterday. \"It has, on
\nthe other hand, decreased, or even ruined the image of the rebel
\ngroup.<\/p>\n
\"It automatically lessened the moral and physical strength of
\nthe secessionist movement,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Both Maswadi and Marbun said ABRI had deployed the correct
\nstrategies in handling the hostage situation. This, Maswadi said,
\nshould dampen the tendency of some European countries to support
\nseparatism in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
\"Those countries should now turn back and give their sympathy
\nto Indonesia,\" Maswadi said. \"United public opinion may emerge in
\nthose countries about how unreasonable the rebels were in holding
\ntheir citizens captive.\"<\/p>\n
Indonesia recently denounced European Parliament President
\nKlaus Hansch for inviting the Free Papua Movement (OPM) to send a
\ndelegation to the parliament's assembly in Strassbourg,
\nAustralia, saying it constituted interference in the nation's
\ndomestic affairs.<\/p>\n
The European Parliament has committed \"a blatant act of
\ninterference in the internal affairs of Indonesia,\" the Ministry
\nof Foreign Affairs said.<\/p>\n
Hansch sent a letter in February to OPM leaders proposing that
\nthey send a delegation to visit and address the European
\nParliament on human rights, cultural identity and environmental
\nconcerns in Irian Jaya. According to sources, the letter also
\nsuggested the possibility of asylum for OPM members.<\/p>\n
House Speaker Wahono criticized the Parliament last month for
\nthe invitation, reminding Hansch that it encouraged terrorism
\nthat will affect not only Indonesia, but also the rest of the
\nworld.<\/p>\n
Maswadi also praised ABRI's decision to maintain the
\n\"persuasive approach\" and refrain from an immediate military
\noperation.<\/p>\n
\"I had earlier thought that ABRI was so slow in handling the
\nkidnapping. Yet, the decision eventually benefited the Armed
\nForces and the government,\" he said.<\/p>\n
B.N. Marbun said that ABRI has played its cards well,
\nmaintaining its patience even in the face of strong pressure to
\nconduct a swift military action to end the hostage situation.<\/p>\n
The OPM decision to cut communications with the rescue
\noperation forces, he said, had ruined their image and cost them
\nthe international community's support.<\/p>\n
Marbun, however, believed that ABRI could have done better and
\nprevented casualties. Two hostages, Navy Panekenan and Yosias
\nMatheis Lasamahu, were slain by the rebels.<\/p>\n
\"There shouldn't have been any victims,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Marbun suggested that the government use a legal approach,
\nrather than a military approach to handling separatist rebels.<\/p>\n
\"The rebels, despite their political campaign, are also
\nIndonesians. Captured rebels should be brought to court for what
\nthey have done,\" he said. (imn)<\/p>",
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