40 officers sent to Bosnia, Philippines

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will soon send 40 military and police officers to Bosnia-Herzogovina and the southern Philippines to replace its teams of cease-fire observers who have completed their tours of duty in the war-torn areas.

The officers -- 25 of whom will be sent to Bosnia while 15 will go to the Philippines -- reported for duty yesterday to Armed Forces Chief of General Affairs Lt. Gen. Soeyono at the military's headquarters. The officers will depart in a few days.

Also yesterday, the 30 police officers to be replaced reported to Soeyono on the completion of their assignments as part of the international peace-keeping forces stationed in the two countries.

Soeyono told the departing officers to work hard to create a favorable image of Indonesia in the world. "Cooperation and coordination with observers from other countries should be enhanced," he said.

In addition to the team of observers, Indonesia has also sent one medical battalion and one battle battalion to Bosnia as part of the UN peace-keeping force there.

Indonesia's mission in the Philippines is to observe the implementation of the truce between Manila and the secessionist Moro National Liberation Front. The truce was reached at a 1993 meeting in Jakarta, which was sponsored by the Indonesian government.

Brig. Gen. Asmardi A., who led the previous team of observers to the southern Philippines, praised his men's performance.

"I'm proud of their achievement ... No significant battles occurred during their one-year deployment in that country," he said. (rms)