New civilian militia concerns Fak Fak residents

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): The establishment of a civilian militia led by the deputy chairman of the regency legislative council is causing unease among Fak Fak residents.

The head of the Irian Jaya Assembly, Yeremias Tuturop warned Trikora Military Command chief Maj. Gen. Albert Ingkiriwang in Jayapura on Thursday that the unexpected establishment of the militia, known as Satgas Merah Putih, could trigger civil war in the regency.

"The civilian militia, whose members are Irianese and Maluku refugees in Fak Fak, is led by Ismael Bauw," Yeremias said.

Yeremias attended a meeting between Ingkiriwang and the Institute for Human Rights Studies and Advocacy.

He said the civilian militia emerged after Fak Fak regent Wahidin Puarara was attacked by locals in Weyati village on March 19.

"Members of the militia work hand-in-hand with local police and the military."

Yeremias referred to an incident on March 20 when troops of the Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) and militia members reportedly attacked Weyati, destroying some villagers' homes and seizing belongings, including jewelry.

He named several people who were tortured during the raid.

"Wherever the civilian militia members go, they bring the Indonesian red-and-white flag with them. We are afraid that they will act like the East Timor civilian militia," Yeremias said.

"On March 21, Kostrad troops and members of the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and Satgas Merah Putih again raided Weyati. They destroyed 10 houses and their contents. A total of Rp 90 million belonging to the villagers was reported missing after the raid."

He alleged that religious objects were defiled.

"The joint security personnel and the militia members destroyed crosses, statues of Mother Mary, Bibles and Korans they found in the villagers' houses."

Ingkiriwang listened intently to Yeremias' allegations and made note of them.

"Such input is very valuable to me. I will find out at the site myself." (eba/sur)