Military ammunition management

Military ammunition management

The discovery of arms and ammunition smuggled into North Maluku demonstrates that a disposition against peace exists. The killings in Maluku are part of an extended and detestable episode in a political game that must be stopped. What especially stirs up our anger is that the area where the smuggling took place -- Maba-Buli in East Halmahera -- is an area where community leaders have pledged not to be influenced by the ongoing conflict in Central Halmahera in North Maluku. This means that someone is trying to turn the area with its 24,000 Christian and Muslim inhabitants into a new conflict area.

The Army must now answer the question that the public is asking: how precisely is the management of its ammunition? The weapons, the ammunition and explosives were bought with the people's money to protect this country against enemies. Looking at Maluku, however, they are being used to destroy the country.

The military, whatever their current political status, make up a formidable force. They have the experience (of combat) and control the agents of destruction as authorized by law. They must make an effort to win the trust of the public. If more and more of their members become involved in acts of violence, by what logic can we put our trust into the much-touted sacred mission of our military?

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta