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Ryamizard policies based on conjecture: Rights watchdogs
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Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu speaks to Indonesian Military Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo (right) on the sidelines of a media conference in Jakarta on Jan. 12. (the jakarta post/Wienda Parwitasari)
H
uman rights watchdogs criticized Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu on Monday for making polies based on conjecture, particularly a policy against the possible revival of communism.
“The defense minister responded to conjecture on the revival of communism by issuing a policy that could lead to conflict,” said Puri Kencana Putri, the deputy coordinator for strategy and mobilization of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), in Jakarta on Monday.
Puri was referring to a program recently introduced by the defense minister and the Indonesian Military (TNI) offering quasi-military training to thugs and vigilantes in Bali.
Al Araf, human rights watchdog Imparsial executive director, said the military should not have introduced such a policy because it was out of its domain.
“The 2004 TNI Law stipulates that the military is a state defense instrument in times of war. The military is indeed allowed to be involved in non-war matters, but that requires a presidential decree,” said Al Araf.
Meanwhile, executive director of the Institute for Defense and Security Studies (IDSS) Mufti Makarim said Ryamizard’s recent announcement on a plan for the Defense Ministry to establish its own intelligence agency would not be effective because the Indonesian Military had the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS). (vps/bbn)
