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." (khs/bby)
