TNI supports questioning of generals: Widodo

TNI supports questioning of generals: Widodo

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Widodo A.S., after chairing his first plenary meeting of chiefs of staff and regional commanders, said the military supported the questioning of top military personnel over the violence in East Timor.

Widodo said on Thursday that allegations of the military's involvement in such atrocities had to be clarified.

"TNI therefore respects and supports attempts to enforce the law and human rights, but as long as they are carried out objectively, fairly and balanced," Widodo told journalists after the meeting.

According to Widodo, TNI was committed to adhering to the government's policy on the inquiry.

"We are committed to obeying whatever the government's stand is on upholding the law and human rights," he said.

Widodo was installed as TNI chief on Nov. 5, replacing Gen. Wiranto who is now coordinating minister of political affairs and security.

Thursday's meeting was attended by 11 Military Commanders, the military's chief of staff and other high-ranking officers.

Conspicuously absent from the meeting at TNI Headquarters in East Jakarta was Army Chief of Staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto. No explanation was given.

Thursday's meeting comes on the eve of Wiranto's questioning on Friday.

Separately in Yogyakarta, political observer Cornelius Lay of Gadjah Mada University said it would be difficult for the Indonesian government from preventing its military officers from being tried by an international tribunal should enough evidence be brought forward.

He said that the officers concerned were now trying their best to exert a public campaign where they would claim that if a tribunal is held it would be the whole of the Indonesian military institution who would be put on trial. (emf/44)