Security in Aceh, E. Timor restored<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Despite the latent threats of separatist groups,
\nsecurity in the troubled provinces of Aceh, Irian Jaya and East
\nTimor has been gradually strengthened, Armed Forces (ABRI)
\nCommander Gen. Feisal Tanjung said yesterday.<\/p>\n
The military has the upper hand over the separatist groups in
\nthe three provinces, Feisal said during a hearing with Commission
\nI of the House of Representatives (DPR).<\/p>\n
He conceded however that these rebel movements, which the
\nmilitary officially terms as security disturbance groups, can
\nstill trigger instability within Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The general said that these groups have switched away from
\nwaging an armed struggle, and are now campaigning for
\ninternational recognition.<\/p>\n
Feisal said the social situation in Aceh has been gradually
\nimproving as evidenced by the active participation of local
\npeople in ABRI's rural development program there.<\/p>\n
The sense of nationalism among the people in Irian Jaya has
\nalso grown and the separatist cause is becoming increasingly
\nunpopular, he said.<\/p>\n
ABRI is continuing its territorial operations to ensure
\nstability in the three regions, employing a persuasive approach
\nto improve the people's sense of nationalism.<\/p>\n
He added however that ABRI's territorial operations in a
\nnumber of regions in Indonesia are suffering from lack of funds.<\/p>\n
Asked by legislators about allegations of human rights
\nviolations by troopers in East Timor, Feisal admitted that there
\nhave been a number of abuses but that those responsible have been
\npunished in accordance with the law.<\/p>\n
\"But, I have to tell you that most reports about human rights
\nviolations in East Timor are baseless and untrue; the allegations
\ncame from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who want to
\ndiscredit the government and ABRI both at home and overseas,\" he
\nemphasized. (rms)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/security-in-aceh-e-timor-restored-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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