'Military reluctant to disarm militias in West Timor'

'Military reluctant to disarm militias in West Timor'

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Harold Crouch pointed out that the government
will continue to face difficulty in disarming pro-integration
militias ensconced in West Timor without the full cooperation of
elements of the military.

Crouch, who is also director for the Indonesia Project at the
International Crisis Group (ICG), noted that elements within the
military were still reluctant to support the disarmament of the
militia.

"It may not be difficult for the military in the level of
district command (Kodim) to disarm the militiamen, but for the
government in Jakarta it is difficult," he told reporters on the
sidelines of a seminar entitled 'Democratic Consolidation' at
Graha Sabha Pramana hall at Gadjah Mada University here.

Despite the obstacles at hand, the Australian National
University political scientist however urged the government to
continue its efforts to solve the problem.

He said the first agenda the government must undertake is to
persuade all army elements to stop aiding the militia.

Crouch's comments came after United States Defense Secretary
William Cohen issued a strong warning on Monday that Indonesia
must resolve the refugee issue and disarm militias.

Cohen warned that Indonesia could be facing a suspension of
international aid if it fails to do so.

Separately in Jakarta, former Indonesian Military spokesman
Maj. Gen. Sudradjat pointed out that the government must take
steps to observe the resolution, despite the complexity of the
problem.

"It's part of the risk of being a member of the international
community," he remarked during a discussion at The Habibie
Center.

Sudradjat, who is currently an expert staff member at the
Ministry of Defense, further warned of the destructive
consequences of an embargo, including the military embargo
currently imposed.

"If in the next year the embargo on spareparts for equipment
is still imposed then our Hercules (transport planes) and F-16
(fighter planes) will not be flying," he said.

Former justice minister Muladi warned that the government has
to take the threat of an embargo seriously.

"Like it or not the world, including the Security Council, is
dominated by the superpowers," he remarked during a discussion at
The Habibie Center on Tuesday.

While trying to accommodate the demands of the UN Security
Council Resolution, the Indonesian government must also take
diplomatic measures to ensure that it is not imposed.

Nevertheless he asserted that Indonesia should also be
critical of the UN move.

"We should issue a strong protest as to why the resolution was
passed without an objective examination of the situation," he
said.

A similar tone of restrained defiance was also expressed by
People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais who said that
if international powers impose a sanction then Indonesia should
be ready to face it.

"Why not!" Amien retorted when asked if the country was ready
to face such a situation.

"Look at Malaysia. Pak Mahathir is in fact getting respect for
his assertiveness. Look at Iran and Libya, they are steadfast in
their position and gain respect," he added.

Amien asserted that Indonesia with its 210 million population
should not falter just because a U.S. Defense Secretary says
something.

"It's gone too far, and cannot be tolerated," he said
referring to Cohen's remarks.(44/jun/mds)