Army plans to form anti-terrorist unit

CIMAHI, West Java: The Army, flattered by its recent "success" in ending the four month-hostage drama in Irian Jaya, plans to form an anti-terrorist unit.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. R. Hartono said yesterday the planned special unit will chiefly comprise red-beret commandos from Detachment 81, part of the Army special force (Kopassus).

The move is part of the Army's plan to expand the special forces from the current three units to five. Under the scheme, the rank of Kopassus' chief will be promoted from brigadier general to major general.

"The expansion is expected to bolster Kopassus' ability to cover all areas throughout Indonesia," Hartono told journalists while attending the celebration of West Java's Siliwangi military command's 50 anniversary.

Kopassus' three units are based in Serang, Batujajar -- both in West Java -- and Kartasura in Central Java. It is currently headed by President Soeharto's son-in-law Brig. Gen. Prabowo Subianto.

Trained in additional skills, the commandos of Detachment 81 are often dubbed "Kopassus Plus".

Hartono, from the green bereted Army Reserve Strategic Command (Kostrad), said the plan to form the anti-terrorist unit had been made long before the May 15 operation to rescue the hostages in Irian Jaya.

Spearheaded by Kopassus, the operation managed to rescue nine captives, including six European. Two hostages were killed by their abductors.

"It was formed based on a real need and has been endorsed by the Commander of the Armed Forces," he said. "We hope the plan materializes in the near future."

He added it would take the army eight months to train the anti-terrorist unit. It will bring together troops from different forces.

Hartono confirmed press reports that the Armed Forces is considering promoting the commandos involved in last week's Irian Jaya operation.

"Also being assessed is Brig. Gen. Prabowo. I agree that those contributing to the operation deserve extraordinary promotion," he said.

The troops that were involved in the operation came from all elements of the Armed Forces: the army, air force, navy and police, Hartono stressed.

He flatly denied foreign press reports that foreign forces were involved in the military operation in the jungle-clad Mapnduma village.

"Not a single foreigner was involved in the operation. I was there so I know exactly what happened," he said. He said the Armed Forces are continuing the operation against the Free Papua Movement separatist rebels. "You don't need to know the details. Maybe in two to three years time, it will be on the record," he added. (17/pan)