Martial law authorities delay move of GAM prisoners to Java

The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Semarang/Denpasar

The martial law administration in Aceh announced on Tuesday a delay in the transfer of 143 Free Aceh Movement (GAM) prisoners to Central Java, citing transportation problems.

Spokesman for the martial law administration Col. Ditya Sudarsono said the Air Force, which had earlier promised to provide a Hercules airplane, failed to confirm its commitment until the last minute.

The first batch of 89 convicted rebels would have to leave Aceh for Java on Wednesday.

"We may be unable to transport the prisoners by air and will use Navy ships instead. The ships are now heading for Aceh carrying armored personnel vehicles," Ditya said.

He was referring to KRI Gilimanuk and KR Sabang ships which left Tanjung Priok seaport on Monday for Banda Aceh.

Since martial law began in May 2003, the military has captured 1,553 rebels, 756 of them have been sentenced.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Raider combat troops were dispatched to Aceh on Tuesday to replace existing troops fighting rebels in the province since martial law commenced last May.

Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Supiadin YAS sent off a battalion of Raiders from Benoa seaport, charged with finding and neutralizing Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels.

The battalion comprises 747 soldiers, divided into 29 combat platoons. It completed a special six-month long training course in Batujajar, West Java, with nine other battalions from regional military commands countrywide.

"They (the Raiders) have the ability to move undetected into GAM areas and launch sudden attacks that will inflict significant damage on the enemy," Supiadin said.

Navy landing ship KRI Teluk Langsa will take the soldiers to Aceh in seven days.

Hugs and tears marked the farewell for the troops from their families and relatives.

"We have only been married for two months," a soldier's wife said.

"I will not wash this handkerchief," a young woman said, referring to the hanky her boyfriend, a soldier, had used to wipe the tears from her face.

Meanwhile in Semarang, Army Strategic Reserve Command chief Lt. Gen. Bibit Waluyo sent off another battalion of Raiders from Tanjung Mas seaport.

It was the second Aceh stint for the 747 soldiers after the mission in April last year. They had returned to Java for a six- month training in Cilacap, Central Java, which concluded in December.

They head for Aceh using Navy warship KRI Teluk Kao 504. In Aceh they will be posted in Pidie and East Aceh, areas known for being rebel strongholds.