TNI wants colleague to be freed

DILI, East Timor (JP): A spokesman for the Indonesian military (TNI) said on Thursday that troops would remain in East Timor until Capt. IGK Hartawan, who is allegedly being held hostage by proindependence armed Falintil members, was freed.

Deputy commander of the Indonesian Task Force for East Timor (Itfet) Col. Suryo Prabowo said here that TNI would remain in the former 27th Indonesian province, despite the recent approval of the People's Consultative Assembly to relinquish the territory after 23 years under Indonesia.

Suryo said Capt. IGK Hartawan was captured by Falintil members who attacked Soibada after the United Nations announced on Sept. 4 the result of the self-determination ballot.

"I've heard from a reliable source that Hartawan is now with Falintil Commander Taur Matan Ruak somewhere near Dili. Thus, I want Hartwan to be returned to his organization. If Falintil objects, I am willing to replace him (Hartawan) as the hostage," Suryo told The Jakarta Post.

"What does a captain mean to Falintil? A colonel would practically be more meaningful," he said.

Suryo said TNI had made serious efforts to free Hartawan. He said talks had been held with representatives from the International Force for East Timor (Interfet) and Brig. Gen. Rezaq Haider of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET), who were in regular communication with Falintil leaders.

"But I understand that Interfet and UNAMET officials have given no positive responses to TNI's request on Hartawan," Suryo said. (33/sur)