Indonesia and Singapore hold joint military exercise

Indonesia and Singapore hold joint military exercise

BATURAJA, South Sumatra (JP): The Indonesian Army and its
Singaporean counterpart have begun their annual joint military
exercise at the Army's Combat Training Center outside the South
Sumatra town of Baturaja.

The 10-day exercise, code named the 10th Indopura Joint
Military Exercise, will involve 1,466 troops from both countries.

The Indonesian Army has sent 994 troops from the Infantry, the
Cavalry, the Artillery and the South Sumatra Regional Military
Command, while Singapore has sent 472 troops.

"The annual joint military exercise is meant to improve combat
skills and strengthen cooperation and friendship between the two
armies," Indonesian Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo
said in an address at the opening ceremony.

"Troops from both countries should take full advantage of the
exercise to share knowledge and skills." Subagyo said.

The ceremony was attended by the commander of the Singaporean
Army, Brig. Gen. Lim Chuan Poh. The Indonesian delegation
included Army Inspector General Maj. Gen. Nurdin Yusuf, Army
Special Force (Kopassus) Commander Maj. Gen. Syahrir M.S. and
South Sumatra Regional Military Commander Maj. Gen. Affandi.

Investigation

Speaking on the recent interrogation of several retired Army
generals, Subagyo said the rule of law must be upheld, no matter
who is accused of breaking it.

"If there is an indication that the retired generals have been
involved in subversive activities, then they should be prosecuted
in accordance with the law," he said.

"I would be deeply saddened if they are proven guilty of
subversion," he added.

Several retired generals, including the former commander of
the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) Lt. Gen. (ret)
Achmad Kemal Idris, Maj. Gen. (ret) Theo Sjafei, Maj. Gen. (ret)
Hariadi Darmawan and Brig. Gen. (ret) Roch Basoeki Mangoenpoerojo
have been questioned by police over their alleged involvement in
subversive activities.

Subagyo also dismissed allegations that the Armed Forces
(ABRI) had acted in a repressive manner when faced with the
challenge of anti-government protesters last week.

"We (the Indonesian Armed Forces) want to maintain security
and stability in the country."

"We regret that there were victims, including from the Armed
Forces, and I believe the entire nation did not want the violence
to take place," he said.

Asked about the possibility of human rights violations during
the two-day clashes, he said the National Military Police Corps
was conducting an investigation into the matter. (imn)