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)