MISNA - Missionary Service News Agency, 8 JAN 2003 (10:29)
INDONESIA
Moluccas: Christian 'Coker' Gang Leader, "Kopassus Special
Army Forces" Behind Violences (Standard, Politics/Economy)
Today's "Ambon Expres" local newspaper reports on several statements by Christian
"Coker" gang leader Berthy Loupatty, who is in detention at Brimob Police
Headquarters in Jakarta. Berthy said that their acts of violence in the Moluccas that
happened after the Moluccas Agreement of Malino (February 2002) were backed by
the KOPASSUS troops (Kopassus = Special Army Forces).
Berthy's legal representative, Christian Rahayaan, confirmed to the press in Jakarta
yesterday that Berthy in the attacking and bombing activities of his gang towards both
Muslims and Christians, not only was backed up but even was paid for by the
Kopassus. Christian said that it were not just individual Kopassus personnel but
Kopassus as an institution that made sure that these acts of violence were carried
out. The 'Coker' gang was provided with weapons and bombs to accomplish their
"mission". Thus – Christian said – the post-Malino terrorist acts were the
government's doing.
However, what could be the motive of this triggering of mutual hostility between
Muslims and Christians? Christian says he is quoting Berthy when stating that
initially Berthy c.s. were asked by the Kopassus to help fostering security,
specifically spying on the FKM (Forum Kedaulatan Maluku): whether they might be a
reincarnation of the RMS (Republik Maluku Selatan separatist Movement).
Apparently the FKM did not bring about any violence; it was just an ethical movement
among the Christians of Ambon. So the Kopassus started its own series of brutalities
together with the 'Coker' gang who were moderately, even meagrely, paid for it.
The reporters then went up to Lieutenant Colonel D.J. Nachrowi of the Army. Nachrowi
denied any involvement of Kopassus troops in the Ambon conflict. He did not
understand why the Kopassus should be the culprit in that latest phase of the
Moluccas conflict. Several other high-ranked army officers answered likewise. (BP)
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