Officers to face court for illegal military exercises

JAKARTA (JP): Three Armed Forces officers will face a tribunal for allegedly organizing illegal military exercises in the East Java town of Malang, provincial military commander Maj. Gen. Djadja Suparman said yesterday.

Djaja was quoted by Antara as saying that the military court would proceed in the hill resort town, some 90 kilometers south of the province capital Surabaya. He declined to say when the case would begin.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdul Wahab Mokodongan confirmed last month that a middle-ranking officer, one sergeant major and a sergeant were involved in the closed-door exercises and a series of nightly meetings held in Malang over the past several months.

The officers were among some 60 people arrested, for alleged subversive activities, by police in separate places last month.

They were also allegedly part of a group of about 100 followers of Arief Kusno Saputro, who claimed to be the reincarnation of the first president Sukarno. The group called itself Division X.

Arief, who was among those arrested in Malang's neighboring town of Kediri, has reportedly given speeches in many areas appearing in white clothes and a traditional peci cap -- attire often worn by Sukarno.

Djaja refused to comment on the possibility that a colonel had masterminded the illegal military training.

"We haven't gone that far because there has been no proof," Djaja said after attending the Armed Forces anniversary celebration in Surabaya. "We have to maintain the presumption of innocent principle."

Sentot

But he said the police were now searching for a man, identified as Sentot, who was believed to be one of the group's leaders. Djaja did not provide any further information about Sentot.

He said the military command would examine whether the so- called Division X was linked to a bigger group.

"Investigation is now underway," he said. "I'm not going to conclude that the group is part of a left-wing organization."

East Java Police Chief Maj. Gen. M. Dayat said last week that most members of the group came from Jakarta and Bekasi.

Police investigators have so far seized four motorcycles, two cars and one jeep, and a collection of military weapons and equipment, including bayonets, Army belts and combat uniforms, as material evidence. (amd)