Military vows to help police halt illegal trade of weapons

CILODONG, Bogor (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) vowed to support the National Police's crackdown on illegal arms sales among civilians, including weapons smuggled to the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

TNI spokesman Air Rear Marshal Graito Usodo said on Monday an order had been issued to the three branches of the armed forces -- the Army, Navy and Air Force -- to assist the police in seizing illegal weapons that might be used in crimes or separatist activities.

"All military units across the country have been ordered to help the police raid the trade of illegal weapons and seize all the weapons spreading illegally in the country," Graito said on the sidelines of a celebration marking the 32nd anniversary of the Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) here.

He was responding to fears that the trade of illegal weapons in the country had reached an alarming level.

He said TNI was concerned about the alleged involvement of servicemen in the attempted sale of weapons to GAM which was foiled recently by the city police. TNI, he said, would learn from the case and take strict measures against any soldiers involved.

"They might not know that the weapons they sell fall into the hands of Aceh rebels. But this is not an excuse for such humiliating deeds," he said

Also attending the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu, chief of the Jakarta Military Command, who confirmed he had been ordered by the Army chief to help the Jakarta Police end the illegal sale of guns, which has raised fears of armed robberies and shootings among city residents.

"The instruction was given because I am responsible for security and order in the capital," he said.

He warned servicemen against misusing their guns for criminal purposes, saying such actions violated the Criminal Code and the TNI Code of Ethics.

However, he dismissed allegations that TNI members were involved in the illegal sale of arms to GAM rebels.

"It is impossible for soldiers to sell their weapons to the enemy. I do not believe that TNI members would commit such an offense," he said.

The chief of the Military Police, Maj. Gen. Djasri Marin, however, said his men had arrested two Army soldiers for their alleged involvement in the sale of arms to Aceh.

"During questioning, the two, an Army sergeant and corporal, admitted they bought a FN-45 pistol from a local man identified as Benny. The deal occurred sometime in February. The gun was then sold to an Acehnese, identified as Hanafiah. We have yet to investigate whether he is a rebel or a broker," he said.

He said the two soldiers would stand trial in a military tribunal in the near future, adding that the Military Police were still searching for Benny.

He said the Military Police would continue to cooperate with the police to prevent the misuse of guns among servicemen. (rms)