TNI to get tough on members backing criminals

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto has ordered all military units across the country to crack down on soldiers involved in criminal activities.

Citing reports on the possible involvement of four marines in the murder of a businessman and his bodyguard in Jakarta, Endriartono said on Monday the TNI would not hesitate to take action against any soldier involved in illegal activities.

"I have instructed all units to ensure that none of their soldiers are involved in (criminal) business. We will not tolerate that," the four-star general said on Monday.

He said the TNI as an institution would not hesitate to dismiss any member who provided protection to criminals.

"Soldiers were trained to serve the country and the people, not to provide security backing for criminals," Endriartono said.

It is common for TNI members to have side jobs such as working as bodyguards, in order to supplement their official pay.

There are rumors that some soldiers make money by providing protection for criminal gangs involved in gambling, drug dealing and smuggling, or even by hiring themselves out as assassins.

Four marines were recently arrested on suspicion of murdering a businessman in Jakarta, after being hired by the man's business competitor. They are now being detained for intensive questioning.

Endriartono acknowledged that many soldiers became involved in illegal activities due to their small salaries, but underlined that the TNI would no longer tolerate this.

"The TNI has dismissed many soldiers for this sort of thing and will continue to do so," he said.

Endriartono said he would do everything in his power to see that the marines were punished to the full extent of the law if they were found guilty.

"I will ensure that they get the harshest sentence possible if they were involved in this business," he said.

Endriartono had said earlier he could not prevent military personnel from providing security to individuals or companies due to the absence of law regulating the issue.

One mid-ranking TNI officer told The Jakarta Post on Monday a soldier could earn about Rp 2.5 million (US$297) a month working as a bodyguard, double the salary of a captain.

"A bodyguard's salary does not include tips or extras from the client. So it is a profitable job that they can do when they are not on duty," said the officer, who asked not to be named.

He said soldiers could be hired to commit murder for between Rp 30 million and Rp 50 million.

"When they (the soldiers) really need money they do these things, because they have the skills and the equipment necessary," the officer said.