National News
TNI Ready To Send Troops To Curb Separatist Movements - Mily Officer
Tuesday, November 21, 2000/5:20:30 PM
Jakarta, Nov 21 (ANTARA)

The Indonesian military (TNI) is ready to send troops to curb separatist movements in Aceh and Irian Jaya provinces but the decision will fully rest on the government and the people, a senior military officer has said.

"The TNI acts on the people`s order. If they want it (the TNI) to send (troops), we will do that or the other way around," TNI chief of staff for general affairs, Lt Gen Djamari Chaniago, said on Tuesday.

Chaniago`s statement followed a plan by certain parties to declare independence in Irian Jaya and Aceh on Dec 1 and 4, respectively.

Asked if the separatist movements in Irian Jaya and Aceh have reached an alarming level, he said, "It depends on how the government and the people see them (the separatist movements). For sure, the TNI is always ready."

The TNI has deployed an estimated 15,000 troops.