Kostrad chief tells troops to grin and bear it

Lela E. Madjiah The Jakarta Post Lhokseumawe

It's not the weather, nor the simple rations, the torn uniform, the meager ammunition, or even the war itself that afflicts troops stationed in Aceh. Homesickness is their biggest foe, especially during Idul Fitri, when nothing seems more important than to be with your family.

"I've been here for eight months. I miss home," one young soldier told The Jakarta Post in Lhokseumawe, North Aceh, last Friday, two days before the Islamic holiday.

It was therefore quite comforting for the troops to have their generals with them on that special day. Although no replacement for a beloved wife or children, the visit of Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) Chief Lt. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu and Army Special Force Commander Maj. Gen. Amirul Isnaini helped relieve troops of the pain of not being home for Idul Fitri. For the generals themselves, their troops come first, although not more important than their family.

"In my 27 years with the Army, I have spent 18 Idul Fitri days away from my family," Ryamizard told the Post during a three-day visit to Aceh, from Dec. 14 to Dec. 16.

Ryamizard and Amirul, accompanied by commanders of Kostrad's first and second divisions, Maj. Gen. Syamsul Mapparepa and Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso respectively, and a number of Kostrad and Kopassus officers, visited their troops to boost morale and confidence.

It was also a time for the troops to air their grievances about various things, including their extended stay, worn out boots and torn uniforms. Many of the troops had to dip into their own pockets to buy rubber boots, which are far from comfortable for long walks. Some of them were also seen wearing threadbare, patched uniforms because no new ones were available.

Ryamizard responded by saying that that was all the country could give them.

"I really appreciate your patience and your determination to serve the country, despite the shortages. I'm proud of you all," he said, urging the troops to maintain their high spirits.

"Remember, the people love TNI (Indonesian Military). It's not true what some people say, that TNI is not wanted here," said Ryamizard.

He told the troops they are carrying out state duty, which is to defend the Unitary Republic of Indonesia against armed separatists.

"Indonesia is a sovereign country and the government of Indonesia is a legitimate government. Anywhere in the world legitimate governments fight against separatism," he said.

Ryamizard quoted community leaders he met in Takengon, Central Aceh, who asked TNI to maintain its presence in Aceh, and if necessary to add more troops to help preserve improved security.

"TNI was supposed to have withdrawn its combat troops (from Aceh), but the people rallied against the plan. That is proof of their love for TNI," he said.

He also reminded the troops to faithfully follow their religious teachings.

"If you follow your religion and have faith in God, you will be good soldiers who respect God's law, which is above all laws, including human rights. When you walk within God's law, then you will automatically have respect for human rights," he said.

Ryamizard expressed concern over Jakarta's politicians, who demanded the restoration of security in Aceh but wanted the military out.

"We have enough GAM (Free Aceh Movement) here, we don't need GAM in Jakarta," said Ryamizard.

Meanwhile East Aceh Regent Azman Usmanuddin claimed the situation in East Aceh had improved in the past few months.

"It is the people's wish that there will be no more GAM in Aceh, but they are scared because we have failed to protect them," said Azman.

Azman claimed that the shift in East Aceh toward greater support for TNI was a result of his strong statements against GAM.

"There is no longer a place for GAM because the republic has granted their demands, which was the introduction of Islamic law and the change of the name to Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. All the people are now united against GAM.

Starting July 19 this year, the House of Representatives has enacted a law providing special autonomy for Aceh, which will receive 70 percent of its oil and gas revenue. Under the old law, the province received 55 percent from oil and 40 percent from natural gas it produced.

"GAM is finished, what we have now is the mafia, people who kill, rob, kidnap and make threats," Azman claimed.

Azman said the central government must be consistent in implementing Presidential Instruction No. 4 issued this year by then president Abdurrahman Wahid.

"Of the six items in the Presidential Instruction, only the security and legal aspects are being pursued. The remaining items such as welfare and economic recovery have yet to be realized," said Azman.

Security, however, remains foremost in people's minds.

"It's simple. All the people want is security. If TNI cannot give it to them, they will turn to GAM," said lawyer Saifuddin Gani, a former NGO activist who fled to Medan after GAM issued threats against him.

"If GAM becomes stronger, the people will support them. If TNI is stronger, as it is now, the people will support TNI. It's like that here in Aceh," Saifuddin added.

Saifuddin blamed Aceh's bureaucrats for aggravating the situation.

"The officials are part of the problem. Most of them are corrupt and the funds from the central government never reach the people," said Saifuddin.

He warned that rampant corruption could lead to Aceh's break away from the republic.

"There are limits to people's patience and if this situation continues, they will lose patience and will defect to GAM. Any which way things are bad for them," he said.