TNI supports joint security troops<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo A.S.
\nsounded on Thursday his strong support for stern measures taken
\nby joint-security troops to restore law and order in strife-torn
\nAmbon.<\/p>\n
\"Amid condemnation, troops have tried to maintain security and
\norder there. I am standing here asking for understanding from
\nmembers of the House of Representative to respond proportionately
\nto the real situation in Ambon,\" Widodo said in a hearing with
\nHouse Commission I on politics, security, and foreign affairs and
\nCommission II on legal and home affairs.<\/p>\n
\"A very complicated situation has ensued the prolonged
\nsectarian conflict, cornering my troops, even though they remain
\nneutral,\" Widodo said.<\/p>\n
Concerns over the presence of the TNI joint security troops in
\nAmbon have risen following an attack conducted by troops against
\na clinic belonging to Laskar Jihad on June 14.<\/p>\n
The incident, which took place in Galunggung and Kebon
\nCengkih, claimed at least 20 lives, including one soldier and
\nwounded 30 others. The troops then arrested 15 armed civilians of
\nLaskar Jihad.<\/p>\n
Even the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM)
\nblamed troops for violating human rights by attacking the clinic
\nand established a fact-finding team to investigate whether the
\ntroops carried out gross human rights violations.<\/p>\n
Also present at the hearing were Governor of Maluku Saleh
\nLatuconsina, chairman of the local House Z. Sahuburua, all the
\nchiefs of staff, Maluku Military commander Brig. Gen. Moestopo
\nand Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Edi Darnadi.<\/p>\n
Saleh said that the situation in Ambon had worsened as about
\n800 weapons were in civilian hands.<\/p>\n
Moestopo said that the three-floor house raided by soldiers
\nwas not actually a clinic, as one of its floors was being used to
\nstore military equipment, such as weapons, homemade bombs,
\nmilitary boots and uniforms.<\/p>\n
At the end of the hearing, Army Chief of Staff Gen.
\nEndriartono Sutarto expressed his anger when some legislators
\nkept demanding that TNI withdraw its troops from Ambon.<\/p>\n
\"The TNI has ordered troops to conduct search operations for
\narmed civilians. Of course, in carrying out their duties they may
\nsometimes have to kill people. But, please underline this, my
\ntroops only kill guilty people.\" (tso)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tni-supports-joint-security-troops-1447893297",
"image": ""
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