The Jakarta Post, 5/30/2002 12:25:39 AM
Govt decision to launch military-led operaiton in Maluku
questioned
JAKARTA (JP): Many have raised their eyebrows in response to the decision to
launch a military-led operation, saying that teamwork between the civilian
administration and the security forces is the key to restoring peace in the province.
Chairman of the largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Hasyim Muzadi,
said on Wednesday the replacement of military or police chiefs in Maluku was not the
answer to the prolonged sectarian conflict in the province.
The government has strengthened security forces there by establishing the Security
Restoration Operations Command led by Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso, who is also
entrusted to head Pattimura Military Command, replacing Brig. Gen. Moestopo.
"The key word is coordination between the military and the police," he told reporters,
after visiting his predecessor Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, who is currently in
hospital being treated for a blood vessel problem.
Hasyim, who led a mission of religious leaders to Maluku recently, said the people of
Maluku were sick and tired of fighting each other and were aware that they must stick
together.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) pointed out that the
establishment of the operations command proves that the concept of territorial
command had failed to restore security in the country, as the Maluku military
command has been considered ineffective in overcoming the sectarian conflict.
YLBHI's civil and political division head, Munarman, told a media briefing that the
promotion of Djoko Santoso to head both the operations command and the military
command in Maluku signaled the military's attempt to achieve political power as well
as to provide key posts for their two-star generals.
"The government should dissolve territorial command while the People's Consultative
Assembly should ask the President to account for the running of the civil emergency
state in Maluku before the government endorses other measures there," Munarman
said.
However, People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais supported the
new security operation, saying the nation had been longing to see security and order
restored in Maluku for years.
"If it is for the sake of security and conflict resolution, I agree. I hope the military will
not use weapons and kill people who stage demonstrations," he told the press here
on Wednesday.
"I think it is worth a try. Let's give them a chance." (wan/bby)
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