Army plans to form anti-terrorist unit
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)