TNI applies new tactic in Aceh

TNI applies new tactic in Aceh

Tiarma Siboro and Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Lhokseumawe

After one month attempting to crush independence rebels in Aceh,
the Indonesian Military (TNI) says it is to change strategy so as
to intensify night operations.

TNI chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto told a press conference the
new strategy was aimed at curbing the number of civilian
casualties.

"We need some changes to our strategy. Night patrols will
avoid civilian casualties as we think most people will stay in
their homes at night and only those involved in suspect
activities will be outside," Endriartono said during the media
briefing to assess the military operation after its being in
effect for one month.

"Of course, we will have to provide more military equipment,
such as infrared night sights, to enable our soldiers to see in
the dark."

So far, only platoon commanders are equipped with night
sights.

The government has allocated Rp 1.3 billion (US$158.54
million) to finance the military operation in Aceh.

According to military figures, a total of 202 Free Aceh
Movement (GAM) rebels have been shot dead, and hundreds of others
have been captured or have surrendered during the first month of
operation, while the TNI has lost 26 soldiers.

The National Police revealed that 108 civilians were killed
during the offensive, but Endriartono said this figure needed
verifying.

"The police's data is always 24 hours behind ours,"
Endriartono claimed.

Endriartono said the number of separatists killed during the
operation would not indicate the success or failure of the
offensive.

"We don't need to kill all the 5,000 rebels. It's more
important for us to make them return to the Unitary Republic of
Indonesia," he said.

"It wouldn't be a victory for us either if we managed to kill
(GAM armed wing commander) Muzakir Manaf or (GAM spokesman)
Sofyan Dawood as our concern in this operation is stopping the
secessionist movement in Aceh."

Jakarta decided last month to impose martial law in Aceh after
GAM refused to meet Indonesia's terms for disarmament and
acceptance of Indonesian sovereignty in Aceh.

GAM has been fighting for independence since 1976. More than
12,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since then.

The martial law operation mandates an integrated approach
consisting of a military offensive, humanitarian mission, the
strengthening of local government, and law enforcement. It is
slated to last six months, but may be extended.

The TNI has allocated the first two months of the operation to
obtaining territorial control, and the remaining four months to
separating civilians from GAM rebels.

Although Endriartono did not clearly spell out if the
operation would end quicker than expected, he said the mission
would be accomplished if GAM leaders and members surrendered.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu shared his opinion,
saying the security operation in Aceh would be completed once
civilians felt safe to go anywhere, rather than when all the
rebels had been killed.

During Thursday's press conference, Endriartono also admitted
poor discipline among soldiers as evidenced by the death of seven
in a clash in Matang Kumbang village and military mistreatment of
civilians in Lawang village, both in Bireuen.

"Of course, we can't blame the soldiers alone for the
violations," he said.

Some soldiers had failed to abide by the military code, which
demands that they protect civilians, Endriartono said.

Seven soldiers have been court-martialed for the incident in
Lawang, with six of them being sentenced to between four-months
and four-months-and-20-days imprisonment. The TNI has also taken
the battalion involved in the abuses out of the field.