Tiny minority of extremists update: contrary to this story, the jihad terror group Jemaah Islamiyah will not be banned -- apparently because it has too much support among Muslims. From Laksamana.net, with thanks to Chas & Pat:
Laksamana.Net - A presidential spokesman has denied claims by a senior security official that Indonesia is planning to outlaw regional terrorism network Jemaah Islamiyah.President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s spokesman Andi Mallarangeng on Wednesday (23/3/05) said the government did not intend to ban the group, which has been blamed for a series of deadly bombings.
"We know nothing about that. We have no plans," he was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press....
Banning the group would win praise from the US and Australia, and make it easier for authorities to arrest and prosecute militants. But such a move would be opposed by certain Muslim groups and political parties, which fear it could usher in wider crackdowns on Islamic activists.
Wider crackdowns on Islamic activists? Why, we couldn't have that.
Does it exist? Now you see it, now you don't...
Yudhiono and his 'spokesman' were interviewed just a few months ago by the ABC. When asked what he's going to do about Jemaiah Islamiah Yudhiano askid his advisor. The camera microfone picked it up: The advisor whispered in his ear " The best is to deny that it exists"...
I found that really kind of cute.
So Yuhiono is on record: " There is no evidence that Jamaiah Islamiah exists..."
Now suddenly, magically, it exists... what to do, what to do...
Ah, it's a 'popular movement'- so the best is we do nothing...
And what are WE doing about it?
Banning a Jihadi organization, what a joke, a PR stunt, no more no less. They merely continue operating under a new name since there are no corporate or organizational papers filed, and besides there is so much cross fertilization between these organizations that it boggles the mind.
This is a worthless piece of news, in fact I suggest that this manuever was instigated at the suggestion of our own State Department as a means to deflect any criticism of our "new relationship" with Indonesia, which includes military training and arms sales (so they can continue to conduct their genocide against the minority populations).
This proves a point I often make when discussing this topic: although a few Muslims participate in violent behavior and intolerance, most if not all, support the jihadists' efforts for in the end they will be the beneficiaries if the world is forced to go Islamic.
8.2 Earthquake in Indonesia
http://www.drudgereport.com/
The illegal Laskar Jihad and its deceitful protector
January 7, 2002
It has been extensively reported that peace agreement had finally established between Moslems and Christians in Poso. It is said that the representatives of several elements of people from both sides had actively took part to reach a mutual understanding but it did not give specific information on those elements involved and how they were chosen. This is crucial because there is a strong favoritism to legalize 'Laskar Jihad Ahlus Sunah wal Jamaah' as one element of local people. If this is evident then the peace agreement will not last. The main reason about the above statement will be explained while what had happened recently in Maluku can be viewed as an example. The Government was overconfident in stating that the condition in Maluku had been brought under control of the Regional Civil Emergency Authority but it turned out otherwise. This proves that without removing the 'laskar jihad' from the area, then secure and peaceful condition is simply an illusion. What had recently happened in the town of Palu, central Sulawesi, should be viewed as a continuation of the conflict of Poso. The destruction of several Church buildings in Palu has revealed the real situation in central Sulawesi. Without sterilizing the area from the carrier of sectarian virus, which is 'laskar jihad', the well published peace consensus set up by the Government of Indonesia is nothing but an insincere propaganda.
In certain conversations about Poso, the term 'illegal residents' was brought up but so far no related action was recorded. In contrast, the Government never touches the problem of unlawful entry of 'laskar jihad' to Maluku, their illegal activities, and illegal occupation over Christian villages in Maluku. Why would the Government be so reluctant to deal with the problems lying on the illegal presence of 'laskar jihad' in Maluku? On what ground then, would Government provide and preserve peaceful condition in Maluku, while law and justice are not fully served? This peculiar attitude of the Government is indeed an interesting question to think about.
The previous writing had enlightened that the essence of 'laskar jihad' who fight Christians in Maluku and Poso was the deserted army personnel, police officers and some International terrorists from Afghanistan, Malaysia, Morothe Philipine, etc. Other reliable sources had indicated that 'laskar jihad' comprises thousands of low-educated and unemployed Moslems from all over the island of Jawa and from other parts of the country. The source also revealed several common recruitment centers such as that in Petamburan and Jelambar areas of Jakarta, where these low-educated and unemployed 'laskar jihad' just sit and wait to be used by politicians, businessmen or any government officials as a ‘hit squad’. This fact is more or less also applied to the so called the 'Islam Defender Forum' (FPI)!
This information explains why 'laskar jihad' had wiped out and occupied Christian villages, and refuse to hand them back to their original owners. They invented untruthful histories and ridiculous arguments to legalize their illegal occupation of Christian villages. They declared that since these villages were invaded through a battle, then Christians would have to get them back them through a battle as well. Contrastingly, they would go on a strike demanding Israel to unconditionally return all Arab’s land occupied trough a shameful ‘7 day war’ which initiated by Arab nations themselves. They could on top of everything, these former Christian villages are in fact, 'the gift of Allah' and their occupation is therefore, completely authorized.
Apparently, this illegal inhabit over Christian villages had been thoroughly arranged and implicitly supported by Government. During his visit to Maluku, a member of National Legislative Council (DPR) who is a chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), A.M. Fatwa, considered the ruined Christian villages in Maluku, such as in the islands of Seram, Buru, Ambon, etc. as "an opportunity" and therefore urged Moslems from outside Maluku to take this opportunity. Accordingly, he urged Moslems from outside Maluku to take this opportunity, saying that he have seen the situation in Maluku is encouraging to Moslem refugees to return to Maluku. This statement was made even before the Christian village of Waimulang in southern part of Buru island was totally destroyed and the other one, Ewiri, was attacked.
Prior to that, the head of Provincial Department of Mining and Energy had planned to start an oil exploration project in Bula, Seram island, where the miners would be recruited from local people and thousands more will be brought from outside Maluku, mostly from Jawa. Up until now the local people of Bula is Moslems, since Christians have been wiped out from that area. It is too simple to realize that in a long run, not only Christians but also Moslems from Maluku would be drawn away from their land, and this would provide a perfect new habitation for the thousands low-educated and unemployed 'laskar jihad' and their families.
In numerous gatherings organized by 'laskar jihad', their attitudes towards Christians is clearly identifiable through the many 'dakwah' (preachings and teachings) of their leader, Jaf’ar Umar Thalib! Moslems minds were loaded with suspicion and hatred toward Christians, who are alleged to be the worst enemies of Allah. Jaf’ar Umar Thalib is deliberately misleading Moslems to view Christians as infidels whose main desire would always be the destruction of Islam and the misery of Moslems. This is systematically carried out by the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) and by the Malukan Sovereign Forum (FKM) in pursuing an Independent Christian State of Maluku, apart from the Republic of Indonesia. Determined by this objective what so called Christian Separatism Movements had initiated the sectarian conflict in Maluku to eliminate Moslems from Maluku. Moslems’ lives would always be in jeopardy unless these distrusted Christians were totally extinguished. Jaf’ar then asserted that assassinating Christians is surely an obligation of faith to every true Moslem, and a responsibility of Moslems to defend the unity of the nation and these are what 'laskar jihad' is called for.
The whole things are, of course, just a huge lie. Both RMS and FKM have comprised Moslems and Christians of Maluku and there was not a single stupid Christian who tried to scare Moslems away by robbing and looting his own house and Church in January 19, 1999 while Moslems are in their full spirit of 'victory day' of Idul Fitri. Even if the above allegations against Christians are definitely true, there is no such law that allows any civilian group to act as National Guards. There is not a single law-abiding country that tolerates any civilian group to perform such a massive attacks and massacres against another civilians in the name of religion. There is no doubt that humanity and justice have been exclusively abused by this 'laskar jihad'! Their deceitful claim as a Moslem and national integration defender can be easily rebuked using one simple fact that they have never been to Aceh, the most Moslem dominated province which also fights for its independence. This fact is very well acknowledged by the Government of Indonesia, but there is absolutely nothing they have done about it.
In many occasions, The Government of Indonesia through its Coordinating Minister of Political and Security Affair, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, had exposed its supports to 'laskar jihad'! One of Yudhoyono’s latest had even provide an excuse for the involvement of what so called ‘Islamic international terrorists’ in 'laskar jihad’s' outlawed activities, claiming that some International (Western and Christian) NGOs were seen to have been supporting Christians ever since the conflict broke out. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono purposely ignored the fact that what these NGOs had supplied were mostly food and medication, even to Moslem refugees. One thing that bothers Yudhoyono and 'laskar jihad' is that these NGOs knew and revealed the true story about the conflicts out to the world. They therefore, described such reports as ‘Western and Christian accusations against Islam’ that call for International involvement such as from North American and European countries or from the United Nations to overpower Moslems in Indonesia. The presence of 'laskar jihad' is therefore, justified (?).
It is a bare truth that 'laskar jihad' had gained a full support from the chairman of the People Assembly (MPR), Amien Rais, who is the founder and the leader of the National Mandate Party (PAN). He addressed the crowd in a special Moslem gathering (tablich akbar) at Monas, Jakarta, November 11, 1999, that since the Government of Indonesia (he meant Abdurachman Wahid, his main political opponent at that time) had failed to restore peace and security in Maluku, then 'laskar jihad' had sensed their duty to defend their Moslem sister and brothers in Maluku from Christian invaders. Amien Rais had publicly encouraged a mob of civilian militia to take the law in their own hands, which made him a prime criminal. Only after Maluku had been devastatingly destroyed did Amien Rais change direction by proposing an equality, a mutual understanding, and a religion based peace attitude as a genuine solution for the conflict he had previously aggravated. This lunatic and criminal remains untouched by the law and so does 'laskar jihad'!
Another important and continuous espousal to 'laskar jihad' was recorded coming from the recent Vice President of Indonesia, Hamzah Haz, who leads the Islamic based United Development Party (PPP). Hamzah Haz was standing next to Amien Rais before the particular gathering (tablich akbar) granting his blessings to 'laskar jihad' to infiltrate Maluku, before he entered the vice presidential palace. It did not make any sense when this man was appointed by the President of Indonesia to deal with the sectarian conflicts in Maluku and Poso, he is emotionally and politically involved in. As a result, Hamzah Haz then made his first most disgraceful move as Vice President by welcoming the 'laskar jihad' at the palace and considered the rioters as Government’s partners in Maluku He irrationally asked 'laskar jihad', the Christians and Moslems slaughters, to restore and uphold peace and justice in Maluku and Poso. Implicitly, Hamzah Haz had confirmed a legitimacy of 'laskar jihad'.
In addition to that, the National Legislative Council (DPR) has verified its total commitment to 'laskar jihad'. In fact, there is some kind of informal mutual agreement between the 'laskar jihad' and the DPR. The DPR has been a conveyor for 'laskar jihad’s' accusations and demands. It therefore reinforced the false story about ‘the Christian separatist movements’ which had initiated the conflict in January 19, 1999. It had illogically linked the January 19, 1999 assault on Christian neighborhoods of Ambon to the FKM which was established in December, 2000, almost two years latter. Why would this House of Representatives appeared to be so unintelligent if there is nothing wrong inside it? It has been in great efforts to legalize the illegal existence of 'laskar jihad' and to authorize the ‘prosper stolen property’ for the better future of the rioters and their families. Should there be any doubt about these comments, just remember that AM. Fatwa had verified them all!
The previous writing had revealed some names from the military and police force who actively involved in supporting and assisting the movements of 'laskar jihad' in Maluku. Just recently, the Chief of Army Staff , General Endriartono Sutarto had put the security disturbances in Aceh and Maluku as an identical problem. His statement was seen to mislead the public in the direction of the untruthful story fabricated by 'laskar jihad' about ‘Christian separatist movement’ in Maluku. The Secretary General of the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI), a top level Organization of Islamic priests, Dien Syamsuddin', had also in great efforts to legalize the existence of 'laskar jihad', claiming that there are such 'laskar salib' (cross soldiers) or 'laskar Kristen' (Christian soldiers) on Christian side. This untrustworthy leader had deliberately denied a simple truth that any 'laskar Kristen' had never physically existed. It is actually a spiritual symbol regarding a spiritual battle against the evil spirits. What appeared to be a 'laskar Kristen' in Maluku is just a temporary self-attribute to Christians who fight to defend their lives and their properties. An illustration of another kind of tendency in authorizing the existence of 'laskar jihad' could be clearly seen on one of the national television program which identified the international terrorists attack on WTC twin-towers as a 'holy war'. Consequently, 'laskar jihad' would be considered as 'holy warriors' and from the religion point of view deserves a legitimacy. This concept had, in fact, misled many decent Moslems to accept 'laskar jihad' as their true defender of faith. These confused Moslems would regard any attempt to disarm this ‘Islamic militia’ would be an insult to Islam. Contrastingly, any Islam Countries like Malaysia would considered such militia groups as criminals and surely not a representative of true Moslems. Malaysian Government has therefore banned the Group of Malaysian Mujahidin, while Indonesian Government would love to keep 'laskar jihad' for its special political purposes.
It is clear that the President of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, was fully aware of Hamzah Haz’s biased attitude, but she was unenthusiastic to deal with 'laskar jihad' herself. She just tried to put her long awaited top position on a secure side and let the law and the people of Maluku and Poso be sacrificed for it. It is undeniably that Megawati has recognized all the details of the root of conflict in Maluku, but did nothing accordingly. She realized that she would have to face some challenges from the House of Representative and Islamic base politicians and parties she owed a great deal. She knew that army and police officers had taken part in the conflict in Maluku but she is too tightly bound to his father’s dream of the unity of Indonesia which she believes to be dependent upon the role of the arm forces. She recognized the wide spread corrupted statements and crooked political games played by some of her ministers, but she kept herself in silence and let the situation in Maluku became more complicated. In her first New Year speech, she claimed the restoration of peace in Poso as a huge success her Government has accomplished while several Churches are being ruined in the neighboring town of Poso, Palu. She said that her Government is more than able to deal with domestic matters regarding justice and human rights, without the interferences of the international communities. The term ‘international interference’ has been widely used by Government officials to excite the hollowed pride of the people in which many of their filthy tricks would be securely covered. There is almost nothing from Megawati that Maluku can hope for.
Looking back at Maluku, one can find a situation identical to that nationally. The Regional Civil Emergency Situation Authorities (PDSD-Maluku), the Governor, Police Chief and Army Commander, had requently declared that they have had the situation under control, but they strongly suggested people not to travel by boat in Ambon bay due to the repeated assaults that had killed many. What kind of control they really have, if 'laskar jihad' is still capable of attacking and killing people and got away with it? Instead of searching for those murderers, Governor, Saleh Latuconsina, aroused an issue of some gang members who came back to Ambon for Christmas. He accused them for having an intention to disturb the local ecurity behind their Christmas visit. This incapable Governor would then claimed that there was nothing happened because it had been well anticipated. In fact Saleh Latuconsina had just attracted everybody attention toward something that did not exist, so no one would question him about finding the assailants and the slaughterers who are still free to do another series of killings. Since the incident resulted in a total destruction of Christian village, Waimulang, in southern part of Buru island, the attack on another Christian village, Ewiri, the bombing of the ‘California’ boat and the shooting of Christian speedboat that took nine lives, no one, and again, no one has ever questioned let alone brought to justice for these. The PDSD - Maluku has been taking a full measure in protecting 'laskar jihad' since the beginning. One can find the prove by looking at the 'case list' of the local Police or the local Court and see that there is not a single complete Police investigation process and consequently, not a single case ever been brought to Court regarding 'laskar jihad'! Saleh Latuconsina has been playing the Jakarta’s filthy plan on Maluku ever since the conflict broke out. No wonder, he remains that long in his position which seems to be forever, while there is nothing good he had accomplished for Maluku.
The longer the conflict exists, the more complicated the problems would be. One of which is to distinguish who is actually the indigenous people of Maluku and who is not. All the way between Jakarta and Ambon, there has never been a single Government official, Police Chief nor Military Commander who talked about the illegal occupation over Christian villages by 'laskar jihad'. There is not a single record of the PDSD-Maluku, the Governor, Police Chief or Army Commander showing that they ever tried to deal with the problems of illegal existence of illegal civilian militia who had illegally build Mosques on Christians’ properties and illegally brought their families to live on that land. The Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD-Maluku) and the Town Legislative Council (DPRD-Kotamadya Ambon) do not seem to be very enthusiastic in exercising their rights to deal with the problems regarding the illegal existence of 'laskar jihad'. When talking about the Campus of Pattimura University in Poka-Rumahtiga area there has never been a word from the Rector, Mus Huliselan, about 'laskar jihad' who had unlawfully resided in the area. How could the campus ever be rebuild? More importantly, how could peace and harmony be restored and security reinstated in Maluku with indigenous people of Maluku being refugees in their own land?
Any organization in any country should possess legal documents containing legal reasons that justified its existence. The question is, does 'laskar jihad' hold any legal documents stating that they are a lawful organization? What would be the main grounds for its existence if there are any? Who holds the constitutional rights to do the evaluation on that reasons and to legalize the existence of 'laskar jihad'? Although they declared that 'laskar jihad’ is a religion (Islam) based organization, it should have a state authorization like any other religion base organization. This also applies even if Indonesia is a religion base country. In fact it is not! If 'laskar jihad' actually own a legal certificate then the followings would the related consequences one may want to know. Its existence would have to be authorized based on some religion (Islam) arguments. What argument then, shows that 'laskar jihad' has a license to own firearms? Is there any argument concerning 'laskar jihad' being an armed civilian Moslems defender organization? Is there any justified argument that makes 'laskar jihad' such a national guard organization that responsible for the unity of the nation? The conclusion would therefore be, even if 'laskar jihad' owns a certificate, it would just be a false certificate that contradicts the national constitution.
It has been brought to light that when it comes to 'laskar jihad' then all of the comments would be on the subject of ‘illegal matters’. So, why would the Government of Indonesia be so tolerant to 'laskar jihad'? In general, the answer would be because the Government of Indonesia is now terrified of a reality that can no longer be hidden due to a fast and free access to the global information. After being in the dark of accusation and humiliation for fifty years, the truth has finally comes up that Maluku had all the rights guaranteed by the international laws to determine itself as an independent Republic of South Maluku, April 25, 1950. It was the former Republic of Indonesia, as one state in the United States of Indonesia, that violated the international laws and the Indonesian Federal Constitution of 1950.
The present Republic of Indonesia have no legitimacy whatsoever to be like it is now! This truth has really bothered the Government of Indonesia who has absolutely nothing to defend itself. Therefore, Maluku would have to be destabilized using the old colonialist way, 'divide and conquer'. For the second time now, Maluku has been corrupted by the Government of Indonesia. The Government of Indonesia is now utilizing the filthy hands of an illegal civilian militia called 'laskar jihad', which employs deserted military and police personnel, to destroy Maluku. The Government of Indonesia had informally legalized the infiltration of the illegal 'laskar jihad' to Maluku, and had implicitly supported its deceitful allegation about ‘the Christian separatist movement in Maluku’! With this deceitful allegation, Christians and Moslems were aggravated in a suspicion toward each other and were set to fight each other. As a result, people of Maluku would not be strong enough to demand their rights robbed by the Government of Indonesia in 1950, and to defend their lands robbed by 'laskar jihad' just now.
It is now understandable, why 'laskar jihad' had never been talked about as far as Maluku is concerned. Poso, Central Sulawesi does not have such history that although some fools have tried to place the Republic of South Maluku in Poso, no one would believe such a lie. It is alright then for the Government of Indonesia to mention 'laskar jihad' when dealing with the conflict in Poso. Lets remember that 'laskar jihad' would always operate on two deceitful basic arguments, which are ‘to defend Moslems’ and ‘to protect national unity’, to cover up their true agenda of ‘forcing Christians to embrace Islam and to compulsorily take over their lands to feed their low educated and unemployed members and their families. That’s why 'laskar jihad' would never present in Aceh but in certain regions where there are considerable number of Christians and especially where there is a challenge to the central Government in Jakarta. It can be easily foretold that the next main target of 'laskar jihad' would be Papua! Formerly called Irian Barat (West Irian), this province had been had been unlawfully occupied by the Republic of Indonesia through a ‘manipulated referendum result’ in 1962. Papua is now demanding a new referendum supervised by the UN, and its voice is getting even louder after the murder of Papuan Presidium Leader, Theys H. Eluway. Government of Indonesia has started sending more military troops to Papua while 'laskar jihad' established its new post in Sorong, Papua, little by little sent its rioters and recruited some locally.
On the other hand, to cover its malicious conduct in Aceh, the Government of Indonesia had betrayed National Ideology of Pancasila, and had broken National Constitution by authorizing the implementation of 'Syariat Islam' (Islamic Laws) in the province. This misleading political act was upheld by the Vice President of Indonesia, Hamzah Haz, saying that the exercise of 'Syariat Islam' in Aceh will prove the effectiveness of the laws to quiet down the rebellion in the province. Some decent Moslems may be well pleased with Haz’s word. They did not realize that Hamzah Haz was just deceiving them since the Aceh Independent Movement never really cared for such laws. It was the greed and unjust of the Indonesian Government that they are fighting against.
In Maluku, the Local Civil Emergency Situation Authority; the Governor, Police Chief and the Army Coommander, the Legislative Council (DPR), and the Rector of the Pattimura University, is allied with the central Government. They would never have words against 'laskar jihad' and they do not care about the people of Maluku. All they have in mind is to please the crooked Central Government of Indonesia, so they would be able to hold on to their position as long as possible and get as much profits out of it.
Peace and order is still far away from Maluku while the country is ruled by some form of ‘religious based evil force’, unless all of the spiritual hypocrites like 'laskar jihad' are totally banned!
Who are the real terrorists in Indonesia?
from John Barr
Indonesia is a dangerous place these days. While the tragic bomb blast in Bali on 12th October provides the focus for much discussion, there are lower profile but equally sinister forms of terror taking place throughout the archipelago. The western half of New Guinea is no exception. Previously known as Irian Jaya and now known as Papua or West Papua, this Melanesian island lives in constant fear and intimidation.
Some 3,000 Laskar Jihad or Jihad warriors have infiltrated the predominantly Christian region in recent years. Their aim is to engage in a "holy war" to ensure Indonesia becomes a single unitary state under the name of Islam. Meanwhile an extra 4,000 Indonesian troops have been located in Papua in the past few months and the military are now engaged in training an East Timorese style militia called Satgas Merah Putih.
Indonesian special services forces (Kopassus) are also active in Papua and there is evidence indicating they were involved in the December 2001 assassination of the Papuan leader, Theys Eluay. There is also evidence indicating Kopassus were involved in the ambush and killing of three Freeport mine workers (one Indonesian and two Americans) last September. Other key Papuan leaders are also being eliminated and a number have been poisoned to death recently. Meanwhile human rights advocates and church leaders live under the constant threat of death.
Regular reports are being received concerning the activity of clandestine figures popularly known as "ninjas" (because they wear black masks) who systematically terrorise the Papuan community, target key people and murder them. Reports also indicate that offers of 5 million Rupiah (approximately $A.1,000) are being made to burn down a church or a mosque. Offers of 50 million Rupiah ($A,10,000) are being made for the assassination of a pastor or a priest and offers are even being made if body parts can be produced. Other reports indicate that the period 1st to 10th December will be particularly violent time in Papua.
This is gruesome stuff and the picture gets worse considering 100,000 people have already died since 1961 in the long struggle for freedom in Papua. Operasi Adil Matoa is a current campaign being carried out by Indonesian security forces to target Papuan organisations with the intention of labeling them as terrorist threats. These are organisations who are seeking to defend human rights and promote self determination for the people of Papua.
The Secretary of the indigenous Papuan Presidium has been singled out. A Papuan Muslim, Thaha Mohammad Alhamid is being labeled as an Al Qaeda sympathiser. Meanwhile there has been an attempt to implicate the Papuan resistance or OPM in the murder of the Freeport workers while John Rumbiak, Supervisor of the Institute for Human Rights Advocacy and Study, together with Rev Herman Awom, Vice Moderator of the Evangelical Christian Church and a president of the presidium, have no doubts they are marked men.
A significant player here is Major General Mahadin Simbolon. Known for his ruthless support for militia terror in East Timor during 1999, Simbolon is now commander of the military in Papua. One could argue that the die is cast for further terror as Simbolon wages a nasty war against the Papuan people.
The trouble is not confined to Papua. Across Indonesia there has been an ongoing campaign of terror taking place for many years. Bombs have been detonated in the Jakarta Stock Exchange, the Philippine Embassy and dozens of churches in Java and Sumatra. Fierce sectarian violence has been provoked in Poso (Central Sulawesi) and Ambon (Maluku Islands). Thousands have died as a result of this terror.
Many relate these events to the volatile, uncertain political situation where a series of weak, erratic presidents has provided a vacuum enabling this kind of behaviour to emerge. A more current view says radical Islam is taking hold. The Islamic Defenders Front and the more well known Jemaah Islamiah are seen to be key elements here.
The role of Islam in Indonesia cannot be ignored and there has always been a struggle going on between extremists and moderates. Mainstream organisations including Nahatul Ulama (with a membership of 40 million) and Muhamadiyah (a membership of 30 million) represent an overwhelming moderate majority however one cannot ignore the fact that key people including Vice President Hamzah Haz and parliamentary chairperson Amien Rais have been courting the interests of some Muslim extremists.
The Bali bomb blast has put the spotlight very much on these Islamic extremists. The detention of Jemaah Islamiah leader, Abu Bakar Bashir, the implementation of new anti-terrorist legislation in Jakarta and rising international interest (particularly from Canberra) in supporting Indonesia's counter-terrorist forces, the notorious Kopassus, bears witness to this case.
It would be unwise if any understanding of the situation in Indonesia today stopped with Abu Bakar Bashir and other Muslim extremists. The Indonesian military cannot be overlooked. Over the past few years this powerful institution has lost a lot a ground in a nation where it has always been in charge. The military's behaviour in East Timor was extremely bad and the events of 1999 and East Timor's independence in May this year seriously damaged their image. Through a process of reform and democatisation, the military's political role in Indonesia is now being further eroded while recent initiatives have also seen the break up of the armed forces into separate commands (police and army).
The police are now maintained under civilian control and the military or TNI remain under the control of defence. Indonesia's police carry responsibility for internal security however they are under-resourced and lack training. The reality is that the police now operate under the envious, resentful eye of the military. Yet it is the military who have always maintained internal security and have acted to preserve national stability. Addressing any external threat has been a secondary role.
Indonesian's military has a long history of courting local organisations, building alliances, co-ordinating activities and resourcing many different groups who conveniently go on to serve military interests. Some sixty six per cent of Indonesia's military income comes from TNI business activities while the remaining one third comes out of government coffers. Such a scenario means the military is engaged in all sorts of questionable networks involving corruption, extortion and shadowy business deals. The truth of the matter is that the military will do virtually anything to protect their position of privilege and preserve their former glory. Indeed, all kinds of services have been received through alliances built by the military with persons or groups who can be paid off, have grudges to settle or simply have a thirst for violence.
Hence militia groups such as those established in East Timor are being created, trained and resourced by the Indonesian military. In the past, military interests did deals with radical Islamic groups including Darul Islam while the terrible purge involving the deaths of hundreds of thousands of leftist sympathisers in 1965-66 was instigated by Muslim militias who were trained and supported by the military. In his final years of rule, General Suharto made an attempt to court Islamic hard liners in a vain attempt to prop up his ailing regime.
It's therefore probable that the military is again involved in the chain of violent events taking place in Indonesia today. Their aim is to create trouble, instigate chaos and generate a climate of fear that will ultimately see the collapse of the reform process and a return military rule. The rationale here says Indonesia cannot survive, peace cannot be maintained and security cannot be assured without a tough pro-military regime back in power in Jakarta.
A key factor here is a focus on the terrorist threat. In Papua, Operasi Adil Matora seeks to play on this fear. Indigenous Papuan activists and human rights advocates are being framed. They are being characterised as "terrorists" while the same game is being played out in Aceh. Here efforts are being made to label local people as Islamic terrorists when they are actually indigenous Muslim activists who, like their Papuan Christian counterparts, simply seek justice, peace and a future for their community.
My great fear is that the West will warm to this kind of rhetoric. President Megawati Sukarnoputri has already introduced new anti-terrorist regulations that provide security forces with extended powers. The United States is offering all sorts of financial incentives to encourage Jakarta to reinforce security and get tough on terrorism. Meanwhile the Australian government, through the Minister for Defence, Robert Hill, is suggesting the notorious Kopassus should be aided and supported because of their "effective" counter terrorist capabilities. The military has much to gain here.
No-one can deny the evil that is taking place in Indonesia today however questions have to be asked. Much is at stake here. Terrorism is alive and well in Indonesia. But who are the real terrorists?
World attention remains focussed on Bali and the terrible suffering that took place in Kuta, Yet our brothers and sisters in Papua and Aceh are being targeted and eliminated. Terrorism and the actions of terrorists are real however the players are not found among those indigenous communities who struggle for justice and peace. These people are not terrorists and its wrong to use them as pawns in ugly game.
We rightly mourn and grieve the terrible losses in Bali. Our great and near neighbour, Indonesia, lives in dangerous times. Yet the question remains. Who are the real terrorists and what are they seeking to achieve? What are they seeking to do and where will they take Indonesia? Whatever happens, let us not make the mistake of aiding and abetting a return to the years of ruthless military rule. Too many lives have been lost under this banner, both in the past and in the present. Too many lives will be lost in the future.
Rev John Barr Unity and International Mission Uniting Church in Australia National Assembly Australia
7th November 2002
AND THE CASH POURS IN
I know nuttink! I see nuttink!
Living in Oz, I trust Indonesia like I would a brown snake. They loathe us while gleefully taking our money and support. Like a jizya already. We can't criticise them or give them advice in any way, for that would be viewed as arrogance and meddling. Just shuddup and give us your money! I've heard people say that when they teach Indonesian kids geography, many schools have maps that show the northern third of Australia as being a part of Indonesia. They happily take money from people smugglers to send leaky boats our way, then refuse to take the illegals back when they clearly come from Indonesia. They hate us for East Timor.
It doesn't surprise me at all to hear there is wide support for these Islamic mass-murderers amongst Indonesians. Like any Muslim country, their leaders have consistently raped their countries while telling their people to blame the West for it.
Right on the money, feralee!
Excellent post!