Indonesian Observer
Thursday, November 16 - 2000
Army chief warns of disintegration

MAKASSAR (IO) Army Chief Endriartono Sutarto has warned that ongoing calls for secession and independence in some parts of the country could lead to national disintegration.

"Now we are witnessing many regions demanding to secede from the state in an effort to deal with the multi-dimensional crisis. Therefore, I call on the people to share a united vision on national integrity and to eliminate their vested interests," he said in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Tuesday.

Sutarto was in Makassar to brief Army personnel at the Wirabuana VII military command.

He said all components of the nation should rely on togetherness and talks in order to resolve the country's many problems.

"All Indonesian people have to possess and demonstrate a high spirit of nationalism and have healthy souls that will never support national disintegration," he said.

Commenting on the decision by the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) not to tolerate the hoisting of the separatist Morning Star flag in Irian Jaya, Sutarto said the military will follow government policy, as long as it is in line with the national interest.

"As long as the government works for the sake of the interests of the entire nation and people, we must be loyal. The most important thing is that what's best for this nation will be best for TNI," he said.

President Abdurrahman Wahid had earlier this year allowed rebels in Irian Jaya to hoist their separatist flag. He even provided government funding for a congress of rebels and tribal chiefs that resulted in an independence declaration.

The flag has since been banned and Wahid has promised special autonomy for Irian Jaya.

Responding to allegations that TNI personnel were involved in this week's bomb blast in Medan, North Sumatra, Sutarto promised to take stern measures against any of his subordinates who break the rules.

"If there were any Army personnel involved in the case, then I, as a leader, will punish him or them," he said.