SMS service to enhance soldier professionalism, ethics: Spokesman

As part of attempt to receive aspirations directly from the public, the once feared Iskandar Muda Military Command overseeing Aceh opened a Short Message Service (SMS) center.

If people wish to share a complaint, information or problems related to security and the operations of the military command, they could send a text message to 0811-683-111, said spokesman of Iskandar Muda Military Command Lt. Col. Achmad Husein.

Achmad claimed that the military command would immediately follow up the report and information.

If those reports concerned violations of the law or human rights by the military personnel, the military command would quickly deploy a team of investigators to check whether the reports were true, said Achmad.

"If the reports are true, the military personnel will then face justice," said Achmad.

Achmad said that the military command would keep confidential the identity of those who sent the text message so there would be no fear of a backlash.

The SMS center was launched in order to maintain professionalism and respect for human rights for soldiers on field, he said.

Achmad expected the public to be objective in sending the text messages and to avoid slander.

The SMS center will be opened in the military resort command in Lhokseumawe, North Aceh regency (0811-682-333) and in another military resort command in Meulaboh, West Aceh regency (0811-682- 444). For people who wish to talk directly to military personnel, they could be reached on 112, which has been installed in all military resort and precinct headquarters throughout Aceh, said Achmad.

The idea of an SMS center was initially proposed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in June this year, and quickly followed by other of government offices nationwide. The Iskandar Muda Military Command is slated to become the first military headquarters to open the service.

The service opened barely a month after Indonesia and the rebel Free Aceh Movement signed a peace pact on Aug. 15, which is expected to lead to lasting peace in the province. -- Antara