The Jakarta Post, 5/29/2002 2:05:18 PM
Security forces must obey Civil Emergency Administrator in
Maluku
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno asserted on Wednesday that
the planned operators of the Security Restoration Operation (Opslihkam) in Maluku
had to abide by therules and commands issued by the Civil Emergency administration
led by the Maluku Governor, reports said.
Speaking after the opening of a regency administration meeting here on Wednesday,
Hari said that the security forces in Maluku were functioning as a tool to back the
civilian emergency administration in restoring order and maintaining peace in
thewar-torn province.
"So do not misunderstand this.. The civilian supremacy is the main thing in Maluku
and the security forces have to obey the current civil emergency administration. That
way it is clear thatthe structure will not change into that of martial law," the retired
three-star general turned minister said.
Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Adm. Widodo A.S. named on Tuesday Maj.
Gen. Djoko Santoso as the new Pattimura Military chief to oversee Maluku. Djoko will
replace Brig. Gen. Mustopo.
Djoko would likely also be the chief of the Security Restoration Operation (Opslihkam)
in Maluku, TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told the media on Tuesday
as quoted by Antara.
Army chief of staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto will preside over the handover ceremony
in Ambon's capital, Maluku. It was reported that Endriartono has arrived in Ambon on
Wednesday.
The government has decided to restructure the Civil Emergency Administration in
Maluku by forming a coordinating security command which would be led by the
Pattimura Military chief, along with a deputy from the National Police with a rank of
brigadiergeneral.
The decision was taken following a series of coordination snafus in the handling of
several different incidents in Ambon which ended in a violent dispute between
personnel from the Police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and members of the
Army'sSpecial Forces earlier this month. (edt)
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