TNI's tough task

TNI's tough task

The Indonesian Military (TNI) is facing difficult times ahead.
Public sentiments is still unfavorable, despite the efforts of
the TNI to convince the Indonesian people, especially the
students, that they have a sincere desire to reform themselves
according to the will of the people.

Cries demanding court procedures against those who have
committed basic human rights violations remain as strong as
before. These demands are understandable, fair and acceptable
because Indonesia is a state based on law; anybody who has
violated the law should be prosecuted irrespective of their
political and/or social position, wealth and religion. Everybody
is equal before the law.

If we are honest, then soldiers and civilians will be brought
before the court, because civilians have also committed the same
crimes, although in less quantity and scope.

I want to ask the attention of TNI's members to prepare
themselves physically and psychologically to go to war against
the rebels who have given their ultimatum to the government, at
the latest on Dec. 4, to commemorate the 23rd year of the Free
Aceh Movement (GAM).

I personally think the Acehnese can ask for a discussion about
their referendum and other matters, and the government should
listen and discuss the political aspirations of the people of
Aceh, which is only fair. But there is a limit which must and
should be observed by the people of Aceh and other regions. They
can ask for anything except independence of their territory.

This is unacceptable, under whatever circumstances, and there
is TNI, which has been given the task by the People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR) as follows: Reorganize the TNI
according to the new paradigm, and consistently reorganize,
redefine and reactualize TNI's role as a tool of the state to
protect, maintain and defend the integrity of the state of the
Republic of Indonesia against threats from outside or inside the
country.

This is a clear task given by the highest body and there is no
other choice for TNI than to act according to those orders.
This is not the first time that TNI has faced such a heavy task.

In 1948 the Indonesian Communist Party tried to establish a
state and it was crushed. Darul Islam with its army called the
Indonesian Islam Army proclaimed the existence of the Indonesian
Islamic State (IIS), but after a long, bloody guerrilla war, the
IIS was wiped out.

In 1950 Ambon proclaimed its independence and established the
South Moluccan Republic which was finished in record time. In
1956 Sumatra started a rebellion by establishing the Banteng
Council in West Sumatra, the Gajah Council in North Sumatra and
the Garuda Council in South Sumatra, followed by the PERMESTA in
Sulawesi. The problem became more complex because TNI in those
rebellious areas was used by the rebels as the core of their
troops. Moreover, the rebels were assisted by the U.S., which
sent bombers to help the rebels. Despite all the advantages the
rebels have, the loyal TNI stood firm and finished their duties
with a complete victory.

So crushing rebellions is nothing new, but do not think that
TNI likes this kind of jobs, but if there is no other way out
then TNI will stick to its duty and what must be done will be
done.

If Aceh insists on its choice to be free from the Indonesian
Constitution, then this area can be blocked and isolated by the
Air Force, the Navy, and on land by TNI. But we have to consider
the fate of the innocent people who are will suffer the most.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta