TNI to deploy small units anew tactic against GAM

TNI to deploy small units anew tactic against GAM

Tiarma Siboro and Teuku Agam Muzakkir, The Jakarta Post,
Jakarta/Lhokseumawe

Entering the second six months of martial law in Aceh, the
Indonesian Military (TNI) disclosed on Monday that it would
change its tactics in the war-torn province, including sending in
another strike unit which will operate in small units to hunt
down "a currently disorganized rebel group."

TNI chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto also said that the military
would improve its intelligence operations to encourage the Aceh
people to participate in the government's efforts to maintain the
unitary republic.

"Since the government imposed martial law, the situation is
much better than it was before. The rebels' strength has
decreased and people are no longer cooperating with them.

"For the next six months, the operation's strategy will be
adjusted because the rebels are no longer operating in large
groups," Endriartono told a press conference held at TNI
headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta. "Small groups of
soldiers will be more effective in hunting them down."

The four-star general also the replacing of the Aceh military
operation commander, Maj. Gen. Bambang Darmono, by Brig. Gen.
George Toisutta.

The TNI is scheduled to replace troops in Aceh in mid December
with a deployment of some 7,000 soldiers from the Raiders unit,
while the handover of command from Bambang to Toisutta will take
place in the next two weeks.

The Raiders, who have undergone training at several TNI's
training camps, are able to mount ambushes from the air or water,
as well as on land.

Arguing that security was badly needed in Aceh ahead of the
2004 general election, Jakarta has decided to extend martial law
by another six months despite protests from rights campaigners
and pro-democracy groups. Many questioned the evaluation of the
six-month "integrated operation" which began in May, of which the
military operation is only one part.

The extension of martial law has also been opposed by donors
-- the European Union, Japan and the United States, which set up
a post-war reconstruction fund for Aceh -- who say that the
military operation has already cost too many civilian lives.

Jakarta decided to pursue a military approach on May 19
following the collapse of a five-month truce with GAM brokered by
the Henry Dunant Centre.

The death toll among civilians so far stands at 319, with 117
others injured. The National Commission on Human Rights says that
108 civilians are missing, including RCTI journalist Ersa Siregar
and cameraman Ferry Santoro, who are currently being held by GAM.

"Regarding Ersa and Ferry and dozens of other civilians who
are being held by GAM, we consider that tactical operations to
release them might put them in danger.

"If we (the TNI) have to adhere to a cease-fire as the rebels
demanded ... then it must not cover a large area and must be only
effective for a limited period," he said.

The six-month military operation has cost Rp 1.2 trillion
(US$141.2 million), but Endriartono said that "the next operation
will only cost some 60 percent of the first."

In its latest casualty report from the battlefield, the
military said a rebel subdistrict-level commander named Effendi
Saputra, 23, hanged himself in his cell at Lhokseumawe, North
Aceh, last Sunday. It gave no details of the alleged suicide.

Aceh military spokesman Lt. Col. A. Yani Basuki said Efendi
hanged himself with a rope. His legs were tied to a jerrycan full
of water. The body was taken to a military hospital, but Yani
declined to give further details.

Basuki said two guerrillas were shot dead in a clash at Woyla
in West Aceh on Sunday. A soldier, First Pvt. Didi Widodo, died
in a firefight in Sawang subdistrict in North Aceh, while two
soldiers and a civilian were wounded.