Army pledges to punish errant troops in Maluku
Army pledges to punish errant troops in Maluku
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Army Chief of Staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto
has proposed a special team be sent to Maluku to deal with
soldiers who overstep their authority in the riot-hit province.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday before completing a two-day
visit here, Tyasno pledged the supremacy of the law and promised
to be tough with errant soldiers.
"I'm aware of people's allegations of Army involvement in
instigating the conflicts in Maluku. I'm not going to defend
those who are guilty.
"I've spoken to the Maluku Military chief, and it seems that
we lack military judges and prosecutors who can handle (military)
violations here," he said.
Maluku-born sociologist Thamrin Amal Tomagola is one of many
who believe that the protracted sectarian conflict in Maluku
stems from violations committed by the Army.
Ambon was rocked by violence twice last week, resulting in the
deaths of at least nine people. The incidents occurred just after
a two-day visit by Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri to
Maluku.
Tyasno said his proposal was now awaiting the approval of
Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo A.S. He suggested the
legal team comprise of members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and
National Police.
He said there had been obstacles in punishing troops who had
committed violations, mainly because Pattimura Military Commander
Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela only serves as the officer in charge of
coordinating the troops. In case of a problem, the troops are
sent back to their respective units.
"Security deployment in Maluku comes from various units
outside of the islands. So it will be difficult to take quick and
firm action here," Tyasno said.
Asked whether the latest incident marked the entry of the
Laskar Jihad (Jihad Force) to Maluku, Tyasno said that the Army
was anticipating the group's movements.
The Muslim group has threatened to wage a jihad on the
islands.
Tyasno also asked community chiefs to list and check the
activities of newcomers. (49/48/edt)