TNI supports joint security troops
TNI supports joint security troops
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo A.S.
sounded on Thursday his strong support for stern measures taken
by joint-security troops to restore law and order in strife-torn
Ambon.
"Amid condemnation, troops have tried to maintain security and
order there. I am standing here asking for understanding from
members of the House of Representative to respond proportionately
to the real situation in Ambon," Widodo said in a hearing with
House Commission I on politics, security, and foreign affairs and
Commission II on legal and home affairs.
"A very complicated situation has ensued the prolonged
sectarian conflict, cornering my troops, even though they remain
neutral," Widodo said.
Concerns over the presence of the TNI joint security troops in
Ambon have risen following an attack conducted by troops against
a clinic belonging to Laskar Jihad on June 14.
The incident, which took place in Galunggung and Kebon
Cengkih, claimed at least 20 lives, including one soldier and
wounded 30 others. The troops then arrested 15 armed civilians of
Laskar Jihad.
Even the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM)
blamed troops for violating human rights by attacking the clinic
and established a fact-finding team to investigate whether the
troops carried out gross human rights violations.
Also present at the hearing were Governor of Maluku Saleh
Latuconsina, chairman of the local House Z. Sahuburua, all the
chiefs of staff, Maluku Military commander Brig. Gen. Moestopo
and Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Edi Darnadi.
Saleh said that the situation in Ambon had worsened as about
800 weapons were in civilian hands.
Moestopo said that the three-floor house raided by soldiers
was not actually a clinic, as one of its floors was being used to
store military equipment, such as weapons, homemade bombs,
military boots and uniforms.
At the end of the hearing, Army Chief of Staff Gen.
Endriartono Sutarto expressed his anger when some legislators
kept demanding that TNI withdraw its troops from Ambon.
"The TNI has ordered troops to conduct search operations for
armed civilians. Of course, in carrying out their duties they may
sometimes have to kill people. But, please underline this, my
troops only kill guilty people." (tso)