Security problems urgent challenge for Susilo

Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Terrorist threats, separatism in Aceh and Papua and dormant sectarian conflicts in several regions await Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on his imminent victory.

But to manage security issues, Susilo will first need to build teamwork among the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police and intelligence agencies, military experts Indria Samego and Salim Said concluded.

They said major bomb attacks and security disturbances in the country over the last two years were related to the absence of coordination among the three institutions.

The Bali bombings in 2001, and two bomb attacks in Jakarta last year and this year, could have been prevented had the three worked together, they said.

They also said sectarian conflicts in Poso and Maluku between 1999 and 2002 could have been resolved immediately if security personnel had remained neutral.

Intelligence personnel from the police, the military and the National Intelligence Agency have blamed one another for the recent bomb attack outside the Australian Embassy here.

Indria of the National Institute of Science (LIPI) said, despite his military background, Susilo had little influence over the military and the police, but he knew well the internal problems of the two organizations.

"Strengthening coordination between the police and the military would create a secure feeling among the people and foreign communities, including investors," he said.

He said most people voted for Susilo as they expected him to enhance security in the country and settle security problems in some troubled regions.

According to him, Susilo has a good idea of how to quickly resolve the Aceh and Papua issues that eluded the incumbent, President, Megawati Soekarnoputri during her three-year tenure.

"If Susilo consistently employs his approach -- to settle the issues through dialog -- the situation in the two provinces would return to normal," he said.

The repressive approach of the present government had been proven ineffective, Indria added.

The military and police have been accused of taking advantage of conflicts in the resource-rich provinces of Aceh and Papua for their security businesses.

United States-based gold mining firm PT Freeport Indonesia has admitted to providing financial assistance for the TNI, which is responsible for the security of its mining site.

The military and the police have also received Rp 1.7 trillion for a security operation in Aceh and to secure vital assets in the country's westernmost province.

In dealing with security matters, Susilo has pledged to modernize the military and the police to enhance security at home and build a strong defense system.

Salim suggested that Susilo listen to the increasing demands for reform within the military and police.

"To become professional, the TNI has to accept civilian supremacy, stay out of politics, return to the barracks and rely on the state budget in conducting programs and operations, while the police have to refrain from using violence," he said.

Both Indria and Salim were reluctant to name ideal candidates for top posts in the defense ministry, the TNI, the police and the National Intelligence Agency, as the next government's effectiveness would be measured not by its leaders' credibility but by their actions.