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.