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)
