Troops told to grin and bear it

Troops told to grin and bear it

Lela E. Madjiah, The Jakarta Post, Lhokseumawe

It's not the weather, nor the simple rations, the torn
uniform, the meager ammunition, or even the war itself that
afflicts troops stationed in Aceh. Homesickness is their biggest
foe, especially during Idul Fitri, when nothing seems more
important than to be with your family.

"I've been here for eight months. I miss home," one young
soldier told The Jakarta Post in Lhokseumawe, North Aceh, last
Friday, two days before the Islamic holiday.

It was therefore quite comforting for the troops to have their
generals with them on that special day. Although no replacement
for a beloved wife or children, the visit of Army Strategic
Reserves Command (Kostrad) Chief Lt. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu and
Army Special Force Commander Maj. Gen. Amirul Isnaini helped
relieve troops of the pain of not being home for Idul Fitri. For
the generals themselves, their troops come first, although not
more important than their family.

"In my 27 years with the Army, I have spent 18 Idul Fitri days
away from my family," Ryamizard told the Post during a three-day
visit to Aceh, from Dec. 14 to Dec. 16.

Ryamizard and Amirul, accompanied by commanders of Kostrad's
first and second divisions, Maj. Gen. Syamsul Mapparepa and Maj.
Gen. Djoko Santoso respectively, and a number of Kostrad and
Kopassus officers, visited their troops to boost morale and
confidence.

It was also a time for the troops to air their grievances
about various things, including their extended stay, worn out
boots and torn uniforms. Many of the troops had to dip into their
own pockets to buy rubber boots, which are far from comfortable
for long walks. Some of them were also seen wearing threadbare,
patched uniforms because no new ones were available.

Ryamizard responded by saying that that was all the country
could give them.

"I really appreciate your patience and your determination to
serve the country, despite the shortages. I'm proud of you all,"
he said, urging the troops to maintain their high spirits.

"Remember, the people love TNI (Indonesian Military). It's not
true what some people say, that TNI is not wanted here," said
Ryamizard.

He told the troops they are carrying out state duty, which is
to defend the Unitary Republic of Indonesia against armed
separatists.

"Indonesia is a sovereign country and the government of
Indonesia is a legitimate government. Anywhere in the world
legitimate governments fight against separatism," he said.

Ryamizard quoted community leaders he met in Takengon, Central
Aceh, who asked TNI to maintain its presence in Aceh, and if
necessary to add more troops to help preserve improved security.

"TNI was supposed to have withdrawn its combat troops (from
Aceh), but the people rallied against the plan. That is proof of
their love for TNI," he said.

He also reminded the troops to faithfully follow their
religious teachings.

"If you follow your religion and have faith in God, you will
be good soldiers who respect God's law, which is above all laws,
including human rights. When you walk within God's law, then you
will automatically have respect for human rights," he said.

Ryamizard expressed concern over Jakarta's politicians, who
demanded the restoration of security in Aceh but wanted the
military out.

"We have enough GAM (Free Aceh Movement) here, we don't need
GAM in Jakarta," said Ryamizard.

Meanwhile East Aceh Regent Azman Usmanuddin claimed the
situation in East Aceh had improved in the past few months.

"It is the people's wish that there will be no more GAM in
Aceh, but they are scared because we have failed to protect
them," said Azman.

Azman claimed that the shift in East Aceh toward greater
support for TNI was a result of his strong statements against
GAM.

"There is no longer a place for GAM because the republic has
granted their demands, which was the introduction of Islamic law
and the change of the name to Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. All the
people are now united against GAM.

Starting July 19 this year, the House of Representatives has
enacted a law providing special autonomy for Aceh, which will
receive 70 percent of its oil and gas revenue. Under the old law,
the province received 55 percent from oil and 40 percent from
natural gas it produced.

"GAM is finished, what we have now is the mafia, people who
kill, rob, kidnap and make threats," Azman claimed.

Azman said the central government must be consistent in
implementing Presidential Instruction No. 4 issued this year by
then president Abdurrahman Wahid.

"Of the six items in the Presidential Instruction, only the
security and legal aspects are being pursued. The remaining items
such as welfare and economic recovery have yet to be realized,"
said Azman.

Security, however, remains foremost in people's minds.

"It's simple. All the people want is security. If TNI cannot
give it to them, they will turn to GAM," said lawyer Saifuddin
Gani, a former NGO activist who fled to Medan after GAM issued
threats against him.

"If GAM becomes stronger, the people will support them. If TNI
is stronger, as it is now, the people will support TNI. It's like
that here in Aceh," Saifuddin added.

Saifuddin blamed Aceh's bureaucrats for aggravating the
situation.

"The officials are part of the problem. Most of them are
corrupt and the funds from the central government never reach the
people," said Saifuddin.

He warned that rampant corruption could lead to Aceh's break
away from the republic.

"There are limits to people's patience and if this situation
continues, they will lose patience and will defect to GAM. Any
which way things are bad for them," he said.