A tale of bloodless military operation in Irian Jaya
A tale of bloodless military operation in Irian Jaya
JAKARTA (JP): Anyone who only equates military operations with
the use of force is advised to get a copy of Maj. Gen. (ret.)
Samsudin Pergolakan di Perbatasan (Chaos along the border).
The book, which was launched yesterday, depicts the experience
of Samsudin leading a special military operation in 1978 to free
five hostages who had been abducted by members of the Free Papua
Movement (OPM) in their fight for a separatist state in Irian
Jaya. Then, as a colonel, Samsudin led Operasi Sandiyudha (Secret
War Operation) to success with no force and no bloodshed.
The goal of Operasi Sandiyudha, recalled the retired major
general yesterday, was to bloodlessly put down the OPM rebellion
by winning the volition of the people.
"The objective of the operation was to win the hearts of the
enemy and to get them to do as you wanted without physical
violence," he said.
The 463-page book revealed not only the drama surrounding the
hostage-release operation, but also the concern shown by the
troopers for the welfare of the locals in Irian Jaya, where many
tribes had barely advanced beyond a stone-age lifestyle.
The book, published by PT Gramedia, was launched yesterday in
a ceremony attended by a number of his seniors and peers
including Gen. Soemitro, Lt. Gen. Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo, Maj.
Gen. R.K. Sembiring Meliala and Lt. Gen. Solichin G.P. There were
also legislators like Sabam Sirait and Aminullah Ibrahim, and
noted political observer Ridwan Saidi.
Soemitro said the book displays a strategy which balances a
"humane and forceful approach".
Sabam said that Operation Sandiyudha showed that military can
solve problematic issues without resorting to force.
Zachy Anwar from ABRI's Intelligence Agency was also there to
give his verdict on the book.
He praised the book and pointed out that more senior military
officials should take up writing to recount their experiences for
the benefit of the younger generation. (pwn)