Rebels must be firmly dealt with

In the mid-1950s political strife broke out almost all across Indonesia. This was not a separatist rebellion as the outer provinces had no intention of separating from the Republic of Indonesia, which was proclaimed in 1945.

The outer regions were angry because they thought the central government relied too heavily on the Indonesian Communist Party under the chairmanship of D.N. Aidit. I see the trouble actually as a war between the United States and communist China, fought in Indonesia by Indonesians. The problem became more complex because the rebel army was part of the Indonesian Military (TNI), led by experience Army officers who had distinguished themselves in the war of independence.

Officers like Col. Simbolon from North Sumatra, Col. A. Husein from West Sumatra, Col. Barlian from South Sumatra, Col. Kawilarang, Maj. Somba and Maj. Vence Sumual from Sulawesi were considered good commanders and very experienced. But all of them had one thing in common, i.e. they all declared their loyalty to then president Sukarno. They were fighting the government, but not the president.

Only a small portion of Indonesia remained free from rebellion, including Java, but the government did not tremble from fear because the law had to be upheld and that was what the government did.

Another thing which added to the strength of the rebel Army was aid from the U.S. in the form of bombers sent to help the rebels and, according to some reports, the U.S. stationed one battalion of marines near Indonesia which could be airlifted to Indonesia.

The Indonesian government acted swiftly and efficiently without any hesitation against those odds. This was a real government which knew what to do and when to act and how to behave and had the courage.

It was not a matter of whether the government agreed or not with the political aim of the rebellion, but the way the rebels were trying to achieve their goals was wrong and violated existing laws. That was reason enough to act.

The situation today also calls for swift action. Rebels, especially in Aceh, should be dealt with resolutely without any hesitation because they are violating the law. If the government does nothing, this will encourage the rebels and the problem will become more and more complex.

Now the rebels even have the courage to openly challenge the Army and police to fight an open war. What an insult to the military and, indirectly, to the government. The rebels are now making good use of the fact that Indonesians hate the TNI and National Police, which makes the law enforcers hesitant to take action, preferring instead to wait for a "political umbrella", as was expressed by the National Police chief some time ago.

This political umbrella will never come and the police and TNI have a duty to maintain law and order. They must take tough measures against rebellious elements which can lead to the disintegration of the nation. Or are the police and military afraid of being accused of human rights violations? TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Sudradjat said clearly that TNI will completely wipe out separatism. The unity of Indonesia will be defended, if necessary with the sacrifice of blood and lives from both the TNI and the rebels.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta