Reports of Indonesians joining Singapore's military
Reports of Indonesians joining Singapore's military
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Embassy in Singapore is studying
recent reports a number of Indonesians have become members of
Singapore's military after joining the island-state's
conscription program.
"Indonesians wishing to join the military in Singapore should
first obtain a permit from the Ministry of Justice as Indonesia
only recognizes one nationality," Indonesian Ambassador to
Singapore H.B.L. Mantiri was quoted by Antara as saying in
Singapore on Tuesday.
He said Indonesians who joined Singapore's military without
the justice ministry's permission could have their citizenship
revoked.
He cited a reportedly growing interest among Indonesian youths
living in Singapore to become military personnel under that
country's conscription program. However, no further details were
given by Mantiri.
"Up until now, we are still facing difficulty in obtaining
data on the actual number of Indonesians who have joined the
military in Singapore," he said.
He attributed the situation to the Indonesians' poor
understanding of the relevant legalities in Indonesia. He also
said it was believed those who joined the military training were
youths who were lured by the relatively high salary they received
in Singapore.
Separately, Minister of Justice Muladi on Wednesday urged the
Singapore government to explain its conscription of Indonesians.
Muladi was quoted by Antara as saying an explanation was
needed as a sign of Singapore's respect for Indonesian law. He
said he regretted what he believed was a reluctance on the part
of the Singapore government to provide information about the
conscriptions.
"They said they did not have any obligation to provide us with
that information," Muladi said. "This has become a government-to-
government matter, so we need cooperation to clarify things. This
is a question of partnership and good will, because they still
have to respect our laws."
Meanwhile, students in Yogyakarta and Semarang protested on
Wednesday what they called "militarism" in Indonesia. The protest
in Semarang was sparked by an incident on Tuesday when police
struck student demonstrators marking Independence Day, injuring
at least five.
The students claimed they were holding a peaceful
demonstration which should not have been met with violence by
police. "We are humans, not animals that can be treated
brutally," they said on Wednesday.
Central Java Police chief Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi expressed
disappointment that the students chose to mark Independence Day
with a demonstration. In addition, the students failed to give
police prior notification of the demonstration as required by
law, he said.
In Yogyakarta, members of Student Solidarity for People's
Sovereignty protested military violence in several regions,
lowering an Indonesian flag to half mast in a show of mourning
for victims of military violence. (05/44/har)