Security in Aceh, E. Timor restored

Security in Aceh, E. Timor restored

JAKARTA (JP): Despite the latent threats of separatist groups,
security in the troubled provinces of Aceh, Irian Jaya and East
Timor has been gradually strengthened, Armed Forces (ABRI)
Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung said yesterday.

The military has the upper hand over the separatist groups in
the three provinces, Feisal said during a hearing with Commission
I of the House of Representatives (DPR).

He conceded however that these rebel movements, which the
military officially terms as security disturbance groups, can
still trigger instability within Indonesia.

The general said that these groups have switched away from
waging an armed struggle, and are now campaigning for
international recognition.

Feisal said the social situation in Aceh has been gradually
improving as evidenced by the active participation of local
people in ABRI's rural development program there.

The sense of nationalism among the people in Irian Jaya has
also grown and the separatist cause is becoming increasingly
unpopular, he said.

ABRI is continuing its territorial operations to ensure
stability in the three regions, employing a persuasive approach
to improve the people's sense of nationalism.

He added however that ABRI's territorial operations in a
number of regions in Indonesia are suffering from lack of funds.

Asked by legislators about allegations of human rights
violations by troopers in East Timor, Feisal admitted that there
have been a number of abuses but that those responsible have been
punished in accordance with the law.

"But, I have to tell you that most reports about human rights
violations in East Timor are baseless and untrue; the allegations
came from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who want to
discredit the government and ABRI both at home and overseas," he
emphasized. (rms)