Armed Forces to 'try its best' to end E. Java killing spree

JAKARTA (JP): Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo said on Thursday the Armed Forces (ABRI) would do its best to end the mysterious killing spree in East Java and other parts of Java.

"We will try our best to reveal as soon as possible (the truth behind) the mysterious killings. We don't need a time limit. It's God who determines our path, anyway," he told reporters after swearing in two new military resort commanders at the Jakarta military headquarters.

Subagyo was commenting on the deadline set by the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Moslem organization for the security apparatus to uncover the perpetrators of the murders. The organization said it could and would take action if the murders were not solved by the end of November.

Bands of killers, reportedly dressed in ninja-like black clothing, have targeted Moslem preachers and suspected black magic practitioners.

Frustrated by the apparent sluggishness of the police and the military to solve the murders, mobs of angry residents have set upon and lynched people they suspect of involvement in the killings.

Police have arrested dozens of people allegedly involved in the serial murdering, but say they have been unable to establish a motive behind the killings that first began in August.

Minister of Defense and Security/ Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto said in Jakarta last week that 69 of the 157 suspects so far detained were members of Nahdlatul Ulama.

Wiranto has also said that conflicts among the political elite might be behind the killing spree.

In the East Java town of Pamekasan, Brawijaya Regional Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djoko Subroto was quoted by Antara on Thursday as expressing hope that the legal processing of the suspected killers would be completed by early next month.

In Jakarta, Subagyo called on the people to cooperate with the security apparatus to resolve the situation.

"ABRI (members) are not colonial soldiers. We come from the people. You should not doubt your own people. So let's think clearly and not be emotional in dealing with the case," he said.

Subagyo also pledged to announce the findings to the public.

"We will publicly announce our findings and be responsible for them," he said. (ivy)