Tyasno plays down rift between Wiranto and Agus

Tyasno plays down rift between Wiranto and Agus

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Army chief of staff Gen. Tyasno
Sudarto plays down tension between Gen. Wiranto and Chief of
Wirabuana Military Command Maj. Gen. Agus Wirahadikusuma, saying
that it's just a matter of miscommunication.

Tyasno said here on Monday that there was nothing between
Wiranto, former coordinating minister for political and security
affairs, and Agus.

Tyasno was here to evaluate the performance of Wirabuana
Military Command.

"It was the journalists who contributed to the
miscommunication. We have never tried to blow that up. Difference
among us is natural. It depends on us how to deal with that. If
we take it (the difference) positively, the difference will
constitute a positive thing which is of great value," Tyasno
said.

Wiranto has been upset about Agus, who criticized him over his
alleged involvement in the East Timor post-independent violence.

Agus told journalists that Wiranto should have stepped down,
and suggested that Wiranto join Golkar party, and become a member
of the opposition.

Angered, Wiranto openly confronted Agus, saying that Agus had
broken the Indonesian military ethic.

Not wanting to meddle in the rift, President Abdurrahman Wahid
said later that the internal communication in the military had
been clogged.

Asked about the congested communication, Tyasno said that any
organization needed good internal communication between the
leaders and the subordinates, and among subordinates. "Good
communication brings about loyalty and is a means to convey
ideas."

"However, conveying ideas should be channeled through an
official forum, such as a seminar," he added.

Tyasno admitted that he had summoned Agus over his statements
against Wiranto. "As his superior I must get first hand
information from him (about the rift). I have given him advice.
It is a part of communication."

Praise

Despite his outspokenness, Agus won appreciation from Tyasno
for his success in extinguishing the 14-year-old violence in the
regency of Luwu Utara.

"I am very proud of the results of the joint operation between
the military and the police. It brought life in Luwu back to
normal," he said, adding that the operation should become a
model.

In the operation the officers worked hand in hand with local
people. "This showed that cooperation is needed in dealing any
problem. We thank the people who trusted the Army and the
Wirabuana Command to help the police curb the mayhem."

The sectarian clamor has claimed at least 26 lives. Hundreds
of people were wounded and thousands of houses were burned down
during the violence.

As many as 39 people have been arrested and more than 4,500
rifles seized in the military operation that was launched on Jan.
27. (27/sur)