Riau Malay Legion refuses to disband

Riau Malay Legion refuses to disband

PEKANBARU, Riau: The Riau Malay Legion, a militia organization in Riau province, said on Monday that it would not comply with the call by Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto for all civilian legions to dissolve themselves.

Legion commander Asman Yunus told journalists that his organization would not dissolve itself because the police had not been able to establish with the public a sense of security, particularly the Riau Malays.

"The legion was not established to intimidate the people, but to help the police promote security and order in the province," he said.

He noted that no legion members were allowed to carry firearms or sharp weapons.

Asman disclosed that his legion was set up to help protect Riau Malay leaders and the province's natural resources, because Riau had always been exploited by irresponsible people, while the public had been neglected.

He also pointed out that it had not been made clear which of the civilian legions should dissolve themselves, and which could be allowed to survive.

"If the call were directed at armed legions, that would be understandable. However, the Riau Malay Legion has never armed itself," he said.

The government has warmly welcomed the decision of Laskar? Jihad to disband itself last month and to recall its members from the country's conflict areas, particularly Ambon, Maluku province and Poso, Central Sulawesi. --Antara