Security battalions to be scaled down

AMBON, Maluku: Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa said on Wednesday that due to improved conditions in Maluku and North Maluku provinces, the military and police battalions in both areas will be scaled down from 17 to only 11.

"We're planning to put four battalions in Ambon islands and its surrounding areas, three battalions in North Maluku, one battalion each in Seram and Buru islands, plus two reserve battalions," Yasa said.

The general further revealed that the previous plan was to decrease the 17 battalions to only four, but due to the rough geographical conditions and possibility of further unrest the number will be reduced "gradually".

"Sporadic conflicts are now centered on Ambon islands and Central Maluku. So we have to make some adjustments," he said.

The two reserve battalions are considered mobile troops in air, sea and land, Yasa added.

"The two battalions can be deployed at anytime," he said.

Maluku has two battalions of riot-crack troops, called the joint security forces, consisting of military elite troops namely the Navy's Marines, Air Force's Paskhas and Army's Kopassus.

"Troops in the Malukus are also supposed to function as supporters in the rehabilitation phase of Maluku conflicts."

Two years of sectarian conflicts in Maluku have claimed no less than 8,000 lives and forced more than 130,000 people to flee their homes. (edt/49)