In the boldest statement on the subject to date, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has signalled that the US is ready to restore full military training ties with the Indonesian military (TNI). But the announcement coincides with new evidence of the TNI's involvement in the murder of two US nationals in 2002 and what is being dubbed the "biggest timber heist ever".On February 17, Rice told reporters that she was in the "final stages" of consultations with the US Congress on certifying Indonesia as eligible to benefit from the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program. "I think it's a good time to do that", she said, citing what she called Jakarta's "successful" presidential election last year and cooperation in the investigation of the 2002 murders.
Jakarta was quick to endorse Rice's comments. Foreign affairs spokesperson Marty Natalegawa said on February 18 that the program would serve as a "correction for an anomaly" that had hindered relations between the two countries.
The Bush administration argues that renewing military ties with the world's most-populous Muslim country is crucial to prosecuting its "war on terror" [demons, fear-mongering propaganda and scapegoats. This intensified following the devastating December 26 tsunami.
Washington argued that had it maintained links, coordination between US troops and the TNI during relief operations would have "made it possible to respond much more quickly and effectively".
Washington also parroted Jakarta's lie that the embargo on spare parts for US-built Hercules transport planes hindered aid efforts -- Jakarta has been allowed to buy the parts under US law since 2002. It also regurgitates Indonesia's claim that the TNI is "trying to reform" and that reestablishing ties will assist in developing a more democratic and professional military.
If anything however, the TNI's handling of relief operations in Ache -- restricting the movement of foreign aid workers, hoarding and reselling humanitarian aid and harassing local aid groups -- demonstrated that it remains the corrupt and abusive institution it has always been.
Congress first voted to restrict Indonesia from the IMET program following the Dili massacre in 1991. All military ties were severed in September 1999 when the TNI and its militia proxies razed East Timor.
The most sensitive issue however, remains the murder of two US school teachers and an Indonesian national near the Freeport Gold and Copper mine in West Papua in August 2002. Indonesian police and rights groups concluded that the TNI was behind the attack although an investigation by the FBI -- which has been dismissed as a "white-wash" -- later exonerated the TNI blaming instead rogue elements of the armed separatist Free Papua Movement (OPM). In June 2004 the US indicted alleged OPM member Anthonius Wamang for the murders.
In the latest revelations, the West Papua-based Institute for Human Rights Studies and Advocacy (ELSHAM) says it has uncovered new evidence linking the TNI to the attack. In a February 17 press statement, ELSHAM said that IMET should not be released until the FBI "explores well-documented ties between the TNI and Wamang as well as a number of yet-to-be indicted coconspirators".
ELSHAM has established that Wamang travelled to Jakarta in January 2002 at the TNI's expense. Wamang had no prior combat training and ELSHAM believes it was provided at this time. Wamang reportedly claims the ambush was planned during the trip.
In an interview with the ABC in August 2004, Wamang admitted to purchasing ammunition from the TNI. ELSHAM says it now has detailed evidence on two long-term TNI collaborators who helped procure the weapons. One of the two flew to Jakarta and stayed at the home of a serving TNI officer, Colonel Sugiono. The weapons were purchased through TNI agents and Sugiono arranged and paid for the individual's return to Papua. The rifles were not forwarded immediately but stored at the Cikini police station in Jakarta.
ELSHAM says that the TNI's most probable motive was to ensure continued "security payments" from Freeport. According to a communication by Freeport with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the company paid the TNI US$5.6 million in 2002. ELSHAM says Freeport made these payments in the form of direct monthly transfers into the account of the West Papua military commander. Payments were discontinued a month before the attack.
These allegations are not new. In 1991, Emmy Hafild, from the Indonesian environmental NGO Walhi, claimed that the local military commander boasted to her that Freeport directly supported military operations and helped pay military salaries.
In an article posted by Laksamana.net on September 2, 2002, Denise Leith, author of The Politics of Power: Freeport in Suharto's Indonesia, argued that for years Freeport was willing to tolerate the TNI's demands for money, but on July 26 that year, US Congress passed the Corporate Fraud Act requiring US companies to file certifications by August 14 declaring that their financial accounts were true and accurate. Leith suggests that it changed its corporate policy and the attack was staged to force Freeport to recommence payments.
If this isn't enough, a new report alleges that the TNI is involved in a massive illegal logging racket in West Papua.
The London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and its Indonesian partner Telapak say that 300,000 cubic metres of wood is being smuggled out of Papua every month to feed China's timber processing industry.
"It's probably the largest smuggling case that we've come across in our time of research on illegal logging in Indonesia", the groups said at a February 17 press conference. "This illegal trade is threatening the last large tract of pristine forests in the whole Asia-Pacific region".
They alleged it would not be possible without the participation of the TNI and police at every stage. "The army, police and navy are all involved but it is mainly the navy", said Yayat Afianto of Telapak, "It is not the institutions but dozens of bad apples, including generals".
The government says combatting illegal logging is one of its top priorities but freely admits to TNI involvement. The coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, Widodo AS, told the February 19 Jakarta Post "It is organised crime and it involves many officials" adding it be difficult to arrest and prosecute military or government officials because "they are very tricky".
Even before the latest information was made public, Forestry Minister H. MS Kaban had revealed that illegal logging was costing the state 60 trillion rupiah annually. To put this in perspective, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have successfully pressured the government to scale back the 59 million rupiah it spends on fuel subsidies. The resulting cuts will cause widespread hardship and are expected to trigger widespread public anger and protest.
By GLW: James Balowski, Jakarta posted 28 February 05
Related:
CIA informer tells court of Bashir's visits?
The key witness in the trial of Indonesian teacher and cleric Abu Bakar Bashir has told a Jakarta court that Bashir once inspected graduating troops at a terrorist training camp?
Sept 11 US false flag operation poses $130,000 challenge
A millionaire activist who believes the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 were and "inside job" is offering a $130,000 reward to anyone who can prove him wrong.
100's of thousands of Aussies cancel holidays in Indonesia?
Australians are being warned to avoid international hotels in Indonesia, particularly the Hilton chain, with intelligence pointing to an imminent terrorist attack. Australia's ambassador to Indonesia, David Ritchie, delivered the travel advice to the Hilton chain within minutes of its release yesterday.
Fool me twice 1-20 -Official release (BALI BOMBINGS/ETimor) Exposing the Australian government's lies about the East Timor massacres, the cover-up of the Bali bombings (including '93 WTC attack) and subsequent anti-terror legislation forced through parliament.
The Truth About Bali Bombings Part 1 REMIX Part One + Two: Que Bono. Who Benefited? The Bali Bombings were a direct US-Israeli response to the growing Peace marches and Anti War Movement in Australia that was ballooning at an alarming rate after 9-11 and after Bush announced he was waging illegal invasions. It also very quickly secured Indonesia's and Australia's subservience to the US and cemented involvement in the US led War on Terror, and subsequent illegal invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Part TWO: Who really Benefited from the Bali Bombings?
PART THREE: The Investigation(s) Or lack thereof The Primary man at the centre of the Bali investigations got warned off the scent by US Ambassador to Indonesia..
Part 4: The Truth About Bali Bombings Eye witness Testimony and memorial dedication..
Indonesian police set-up Jakarta man?
"Who would blow themselves up when there is no war? Who would give up their life for no struggle? The CIA would! Why? Because the CIA are at war with the world, and they aim to cause terror and slam the Iron fist of fear into the community in the Asian pacific region."
See Links History From 2002:
AFP: The unlikely CRIMINAL
It was born of a bombing and it made its name after a far more devastating act of terrorism. But for most of the 25 years in between, little was known about the Australian Federal Police force or the work it did.
SMS was Keelty's first choice: Alleged bomber
Keelty: "It was just days before Australia's embassy was attacked on September 9"? But you couldn't believe SMS could you? If your life depended on it? What about inviting him to you birthday party? Would you believe answering his own SMS text message? Could you trust him with that?
EVERYONES ABC PROPAGANDA?
THE HEADLINE: New Indonesian President flags strengthening anti-terror laws
Liberal PR stunt, behind SMS attack warning
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Mick Keelty has revealed information about an SMS message warning of an attack on a western embassy in Indonesia came from an Australian businessman in Jakarta.
Community backs candidate wife's Bali claims
Federal Labor Party candidate Ivan Molloy says he supports the sentiments of his wife, a Queensland state politician, who blames the Liberal Party for the 2002 Bali bombings.
Liberal PR stunt, behind SMS attack warning
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Mick Keelty has revealed information about an SMS message warning of an attack on a western embassy in Indonesia came from an Australian businessman in Jakarta.
Howard and Downer to blame for Jakarta bombing: JI?
Alleged JI Members pushed back journalists at the site of a powerful blast outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta. The Federal Government has to be condemned for the bomb attack outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta.
Indonesian Election: Australia $48 Million?
The threat from terror groups and failed states means Australia needs a high-tech, rapid deployment defence force, the defence minister says.
Greens want Flood to front Bali inquiry
Greens Senator Bob Brown wants the author of a key report into Australia's intelligence agencies to appear before a Senate committee examining the Bali bombings.
FLASHBACK: BALI BOMBINGS? HOWARD'S ELECTION CAMPAIGNS?
Indonesian terror warnings on the eve of a federal election are nothing new to Australians. This week's terror campaign by the Howard government and its corporate media allies.
Black market should have been closed to people smugglers
A man charged over a people-smuggling voyage that ended in 350 deaths will face the second day of his committal hearing today.Khaled Daoed is charged with numerous offences over the sinking of the Indonesian fishing boat SIEV X three years ago.
Keelty foresees more terrorism
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Mick Keelty says terrorist groups will continue to find new ways to threaten countries.
US to keep military ties with Indonesia. Target Australia?
US President George W Bush says America plans to resume cooperation with Indonesia's armed forces.
The Daily Propaganda Bali bombings could have been worse?
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner, Mick Keelty, says the bombs that killed 88 Australians in Bali could have done a lot more damage if they had been built differently.
GI propaganda expert earns $200,000 a year: terror dope
A terrorism dope who is on capitalist drugs says the South-East Asian extremist group Jemaah Islamiah (JI) has raised $200,000 a year from supporters in Australia.
GI propaganda expert earns $200,000 a year: terror dope
A terrorism dope who is on capitalist drugs says the South-East Asian extremist group Jemaah Islamiah (JI) has raised $200,000 a year from supporters in Australia.
US Deputy Sheriff dismisses Indonesian comment that US king of terrorists
Deputy Sheriff to the US Prime Minister John Howard says he does not agree with comments by the Indonesian Vice-President Hamzah Haz that the real terrorist is the United States for attacking Iraq.
Keep the bastards honest: Publicity keeps an eye on ethics?
The Australian Federal Police commissioner says investigations into terrorist links to Australia are being made more difficult by public debate about the progress of inquiries.
GI divided: Australian experts
GI has descended into a disparate collection of cells working at cross-purposes, with deep divisions on strategy and no clear leader except to say the Indonesian Military could be involved, senior Australian counter-propaganda police believe.
GI killers uncovered
GI has cordial flavours ranging from Raspberry all the way down to Tropical Pineapple and a new generation of drinkers have joined the ranks.
Eye for an eye or blind toothless people?
Terrorists ALLEGED by the Daily Terror, 7 August 03, have claimed responsibility for the Jakarta bombing and are alleged to have sent a chilling warning that they will kill more Westerners if Bali bomber Amrozi is sentenced to death today.
Australian Terror cell here long before Bali
The Australian terrorist Captain Cook infiltrated Australia years before the Bali bombings in which 202 people perished. Aboriginal people attempted to remember Captain Cook not as a founding father but as a harbinger of dispossession and death, a sign of white amnesia. Another anniversary year-used to mark two hundred years since Cook had journeyed along the east coast of Australia and, for some people, discovered a continent.
Did the CIA blow up Bali?
In a nation where conspiracy theories and rice are two of life's staples, Indonesians appear to be changing their habits. You can still get rice with your Kentucky Fried, but conspiracy theories easy to find, at least as far as the Bali bombings are concerned.
Australia's Terrorism Wake Up Call [164] The horrific bombings of the Sari Club and Paddy's Bar in Bali, on October 12, 2002, considerably strengthened the hand of the CoW in pursuing the War on Terror. Here was an opportunity to harden the hearts of the Australian and US public against Islamic fundamentalists. It was also a chance for the Indonesian government to justify harsh measures in the war against terrorists and secessionists, such at those in the province of Aceh.
2nd Renaissance -10 The War on Witches [150]
In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued a Papal Bull that became the rationale for establishing the Inquisition in Germany. The following excerpt from the Bull sets out the official view of the danger of witches to the community. The Bull and this this passage provided the sole excuse for the torture and cruel executions that were, ultimately, to be the fate of up to fifty percent of the population of some villages.
First strike and you're out!
The ideology of a super loser? John Howard shocks the nation again. A nation who cannot believe Howard's stupidity following the Bali bombing. The Bali bombing which was in direct retaliation for his previous remarks towards a first strike on Iraq.
Civil and Democratic Islam websites communicating?
THE internet is becoming a virtual forum for people exchanges, with many sites specifically targeting Australia to stop the racial hate followers, and plan to continue to communicate with each other. Fantastic!
GI Strikes again! Plots plots and more plots
GI cordial's foiled plot to flood foreign embassies in Singapore, including the Australian high commission, would have used high sugar levels at the controls of cordial laden truck, a US interrogation of a key GI figure has revealed. The plot, uncovered by Singaporean authorities last December before it was fully planned, originally was intended for missions in Manila, not Singapore. The revelations, obtained by GKCNN through key summaries of the US interrogation of Mohammed Mansour Jabarah, demonstrate the new depth of GI members' commitment to the sugar cause.
Alarm over terror in 'Australia'?
ISLAMIC extremists linked to GI cordial fired weapons and conducted close-quarter combat training in remote forests all over Australia. Paint Bombs were the weapon of choice.
Australian accused of plot to bomb embassies
A spokesperson for Justice Action Mr.Sooth Sayer said " the arrest is most likely connected to the invasion of the mans privacy by the new powers of ASIO. These are extraordinary laws that were invented, using people as pawns to get unprecedented powers to use to lever John Howard's propaganda machine."
