President, TNI united in defense of troops actions

JAKARTA (JP): Despite perceived tension between President Abdurrahman and the Indonesian Military (TNI) recently, both made a united stand on Friday in defense of the much-criticized action of joint security troops stationed in the riot-torn Maluku capital of Ambon.

Speaking in a public dialog at the Palace's Baiturrahim Mosque, the President said troops were acting in self defense when they took strict measures against an armed group during a series of clashes recently.

"What happened in Maluku was actually caused by unilateral movements to attack the state apparatus. The troops were in defensive position and were forced to open fire, causing some fatalities," the President said.

However, the President also promised to take strong measures if military personnel were later proven guilty of committing human rights violations.

While throwing his weight behind the troops' actions, TNI spokesman Rear Air Marshal Graito Usodo maintained that there was no plan to withdraw the troops following the clashes, which claimed at least 20 lives, including one soldier, and wounded 30 others.

"So far, we have not found any indication that the troops had made any blunder in carrying out their duties. Of course, the investigation continues.

"The troops are professional. They have done a great job in handling such riots," Graito said at a press conference.

Graito also said the replacement of outgoing Pattimura Military commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa was not related to the incident.

TNI has claimed that 15 armed civilians, whom it identified as members of Lasykar Jihad, were arrested in connection with the clash.

A wave of condemnation has been aired by Muslim groups and students against Yasa in connection with the three-day incident, occurring between June 12 and June 14 in Galunggung and Kebon Cengkih areas in Ambon.

On Thursday, the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) and several other Islamic organizations urged the House of Representatives to summon the TNI chief for clarification over an attack on a medical clinic belonging to the Lasykar Jihad Muslim group in Ambon. The hearing is scheduled to take place on Monday.

The groups' leaders, including MUI's deputy chairman Amidhan, insisted that the raid had resulted in 23 deaths, 41 civilian injuries and the disappearance of four others. He demanded the military bring Yasa before a military or human rights tribunal.

The groups also accused activists of the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) separatist movement of masterminding the incident.

Separately, the Military Police chief Maj. Gen. Djasri Marin said that in the next seven to 10 days, he would send a team to investigate whether the troops had committed human rights violations.

Meanwhile, North Maluku acting governor Muhyie Effendi said that although security in the province has been restored, the local government will maintain the state of civil emergency in a bid to speed up the rehabilitation programs there.

He said that security and order in his territory had gradually returned to normal and no more violence had broken out in the province due to the strict imposition of the emergency status over the last three months.

"We are happy that daily life is back to normal especially among people from the conflicting groups. Locals in predominantly Muslim Tobelo and those in predominantly Christian Galela have exchanged visits and are working together to rehabilitate all facilities and houses damaged during the recent bloody clashes," he said after meeting with Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy Surjadi Soedirdja.

He said the security situation had returned to normal following the issuance of a decree that banned arms assembling and trading, mass gatherings and possession of communications equipment.

The state of civil emergency would only be lifted when all refugees returned to their home villages and renovation of damaged facilities was completed, according to Muchyie.

He also said that the provincial legislative council is preparing for a gubernatorial election later this month.

Former state minister of youth affairs Abdul Gafur of the Golkar Party, Rushdi Hanafie of the United Development Party and Machmud Primadoya of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle will contest the first gubernatorial election. (02/prb/rms)