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)