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