Cover Story
Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso: "We will work hard and resolutely"
He has not had the job long, but all eyes are already on him. What will Maj. Gen.
Djoko Santoso-commander of the XVI Pattimura Military Area Command (Kodam)-who
is now also in command of the Peace Restoration Operational Command in Maluku
do? It is a new position set up by the government under the control of the authority for
the state of civil emergency led by the governor. As the name suggests, the task for
the commander of the unit is simple, but difficult: restore security and order to the
region that has been overwhelmed by bloody conflict for the past three years.
Born 8 September 1952 in Solo and a 1975 graduate of the Armed Forces Academy,
Djoko Santoso leads 9,000 troops in Maluku. He is the sixth commander and second
general since the Pattimura Kodam was formed two years ago. As commander of the
Peace Restoration Operation Command, he will lead a Security Taskforce and a Law
Enforcement Taskforce made up of police and army personnel.
Given the deserters - which new Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu has
asked him to deal with firmly - how will he manage to find a solution in the troubled
region? Bernarda Rurit from the TEMPO News Room and Arif Adi Kuswardono spoke
to the well-mannered general.
Have you already identified the activities and training grounds of the deserters in
Maluku?
If I name them, they'll move!
Have any of them been detained?
We are making an inventory, including weapons. Every unit is looking [for them]. In
the army itself, there aren't many, only a few dozen. Many of them have returned.
When Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa was commander of the Pattimura Kodam there were
120 deserters. Are there still that many?
Oh no, they've already returned (to their units-Ed).
What is your plan to deal with the deserters, including those in hiding?
We'll make an inventory of deserters first, then we'll appeal for them to return to their
units. If they won't follow orders, then we'll detain them.
Hasn't the Army Chief of Staff ordered them shot if they refuse to return to their units?
There's no need for that. It's only a question of procedure. We will work hard and
resolutely in accordance with the law. The important thing is to enforce the law.
Can the security forces in Maluku be neutral and professional while guaranteeing
security as the public wants?
The security forces must be neutral. But the security problem must be seen as the
end result of many problems from various aspects of life. There are political,
ideological, economic, cultural and legal aspects. If all these aspects are unclear, the
end result will be unclear.
God willing, we will be able to guarantee security. We will consolidate the restoration
of security and order. We will set up posts to maintain security and conduct sweeps
and patrols to enforce the law. We will try to build dialog between the various sides.
What is your concept as security commander in Maluku?
First, to carry out consolidation both within the Indonesian Military (TNI) itself and
externally with the police to increase solidarity. Then, increase our efforts for security
and order. Third, we will try to bring about reconciliation. The three steps will happen
simultaneously and in stages.
You were appointed to organize coordination between TNI, the police and the civil
emergency authorities, among other things. How will you do this?
Praise be to God, I have already made an appeal to the police. I also went to the
Mobile Police Brigade (Brimob) dormitory and spoke with the families of policemen
there. The command of the operation itself is in the hands of the governor as the civil
emergency authority.
What obstacles do you think you will face?
Every duty has obstacles. But with good coordination in carrying out duties, hopefully
they can be overcome. In the end, I think the Maluku problem must be solved through
reconciliation and regional rehabilitation supported by all sides. If that is not achieved,
it won't.
The governor tried reconciliation before, but it failed. Are you sure it can be achieved
now?
We will try to clear the way for reconciliation thorough initial dialog. We must also
study the causes of the previous failure at reconciliation.
When you accepted this job, were you aware that not only the Indonesian people, but
also the international community are watching?
Yes, I knew. After all, I'm a senior officer.
