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)