TNI to get tough on members backing criminals<\/p>\n
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto has
\nordered all military units across the country to crack down on
\nsoldiers involved in criminal activities.<\/p>\n
Citing reports on the possible involvement of four marines in
\nthe murder of a businessman and his bodyguard in Jakarta,
\nEndriartono said on Monday the TNI would not hesitate to take
\naction against any soldier involved in illegal activities.<\/p>\n
\"I have instructed all units to ensure that none of their
\nsoldiers are involved in (criminal) business. We will not
\ntolerate that,\" the four-star general said on Monday.<\/p>\n
He said the TNI as an institution would not hesitate to
\ndismiss any member who provided protection to criminals.<\/p>\n
\"Soldiers were trained to serve the country and the people,
\nnot to provide security backing for criminals,\" Endriartono said.<\/p>\n
It is common for TNI members to have side jobs such as working
\nas bodyguards, in order to supplement their official pay.<\/p>\n
There are rumors that some soldiers make money by providing
\nprotection for criminal gangs involved in gambling, drug dealing
\nand smuggling, or even by hiring themselves out as assassins.<\/p>\n
Four marines were recently arrested on suspicion of murdering
\na businessman in Jakarta, after being hired by the man's business
\ncompetitor. They are now being detained for intensive
\nquestioning.<\/p>\n
Endriartono acknowledged that many soldiers became involved in
\nillegal activities due to their small salaries, but underlined
\nthat the TNI would no longer tolerate this.<\/p>\n
\"The TNI has dismissed many soldiers for this sort of thing
\nand will continue to do so,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Endriartono said he would do everything in his power to see
\nthat the marines were punished to the full extent of the law if
\nthey were found guilty.<\/p>\n
\"I will ensure that they get the harshest sentence possible if
\nthey were involved in this business,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Endriartono had said earlier he could not prevent military
\npersonnel from providing security to individuals or companies due
\nto the absence of law regulating the issue.<\/p>\n
One mid-ranking TNI officer told The Jakarta Post on Monday a
\nsoldier could earn about Rp 2.5 million (US$297) a month working
\nas a bodyguard, double the salary of a captain.<\/p>\n
\"A bodyguard's salary does not include tips or extras from the
\nclient. So it is a profitable job that they can do when they are
\nnot on duty,\" said the officer, who asked not to be named.<\/p>\n
He said soldiers could be hired to commit murder for between
\nRp 30 million and Rp 50 million.<\/p>\n
\"When they (the soldiers) really need money they do these
\nthings, because they have the skills and the equipment
\nnecessary,\" the officer said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tni-to-get-tough-on-members-backing-criminals-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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