Military changes tactics in Aceh war to wipe rebels<\/p>\n
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
More than two months into the integrated operation in Aceh, the
\ngovernment is now changing its tactics in cracking down on the
\nseparatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM).<\/p>\n
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs
\nSusilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Tuesday that the government
\nwould intensify its intelligence gathering operations in the
\ntroubled province as the rebels there had now underground.<\/p>\n
\"As we are focusing on hunting down GAM leaders, we will
\nintensify our intelligence operations,\" Susilo said after
\nchairing a meeting on political and security issues here on
\nTuesday.<\/p>\n
Calling on GAM rebels to surrender as soon as possible, Susilo
\nsaid the security authorities had identified the hiding places of
\nGAM members.<\/p>\n
\"The government will carry out all efforts to restore security
\nin Aceh within the six-month period of martial law there.<\/p>\n
\"I say that intelligence operations are required because of
\nthe field situation there,\" Susilo said, referring to GAM's
\nguerilla war tatics.<\/p>\n
Jakarta imposed martial law in Aceh in May 19.<\/p>\n
Besides crushing the separatist movement, the integrated
\noperation is also aimed at enforcing the law, strengthening the
\ncivil administration and provide humanitarian assistance.<\/p>\n
The military had earlier increased the number of its nighttime
\noperations, claiming that this was intended to reduce the number
\nof civilian casualties.<\/p>\n
To date, the military says that at least 383 suspected GAM
\nmembers -- who have not been allowed to be accompanied by lawyers
\nduring interrogation -- have been arrested while some 699 others
\nhave been killed.<\/p>\n
Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto
\nearlier revealed that the military had already spent Rp 600
\nbillion of totaling Rp 1.3 trillion in funds allocated to
\nsecurity operations in Aceh.<\/p>\n
Susilo, however, refused to disclose the budget that had been
\nallocated for other operations, arguing that \"the integrated
\noperation is still underway and indeed there are still some
\noperational goals that required more funds.\"<\/p>\n
The minister also said that the security authorities in Aceh
\nhad been ordered to increase the protection afforded to
\njournalists covering the situation in the province as well as
\nothers who might be considered by GAM as damaging their cause.<\/p>\n
This comes in response to the kidnapping of an RCTI TV crew,
\nalong with three local people, on June 29, none of whom have been
\nreleased by GAM thus far.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/military-changes-tactics-in-aceh-war-to-wipe-rebels-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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