Military changes tactics in Aceh war to wipe rebels

Military changes tactics in Aceh war to wipe rebels

Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

More than two months into the integrated operation in Aceh, the
government is now changing its tactics in cracking down on the
separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Tuesday that the government
would intensify its intelligence gathering operations in the
troubled province as the rebels there had now underground.

"As we are focusing on hunting down GAM leaders, we will
intensify our intelligence operations," Susilo said after
chairing a meeting on political and security issues here on
Tuesday.

Calling on GAM rebels to surrender as soon as possible, Susilo
said the security authorities had identified the hiding places of
GAM members.

"The government will carry out all efforts to restore security
in Aceh within the six-month period of martial law there.

"I say that intelligence operations are required because of
the field situation there," Susilo said, referring to GAM's
guerilla war tatics.

Jakarta imposed martial law in Aceh in May 19.

Besides crushing the separatist movement, the integrated
operation is also aimed at enforcing the law, strengthening the
civil administration and provide humanitarian assistance.

The military had earlier increased the number of its nighttime
operations, claiming that this was intended to reduce the number
of civilian casualties.

To date, the military says that at least 383 suspected GAM
members -- who have not been allowed to be accompanied by lawyers
during interrogation -- have been arrested while some 699 others
have been killed.

Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto
earlier revealed that the military had already spent Rp 600
billion of totaling Rp 1.3 trillion in funds allocated to
security operations in Aceh.

Susilo, however, refused to disclose the budget that had been
allocated for other operations, arguing that "the integrated
operation is still underway and indeed there are still some
operational goals that required more funds."

The minister also said that the security authorities in Aceh
had been ordered to increase the protection afforded to
journalists covering the situation in the province as well as
others who might be considered by GAM as damaging their cause.

This comes in response to the kidnapping of an RCTI TV crew,
along with three local people, on June 29, none of whom have been
released by GAM thus far.