Australian Activists Demand Severing
of Ties with Indonesian Military
Jakarta Globe | October 01, 2010
Jakarta. The Australian government has again been urged to sever ties with the Indonesian Military following joint exercises between elite units from both countries in Bali.
Joe Collins of the Australia West Papua Association, in a news release, queries the claim by Australian Special Air Services Comr. Maj. Gen. Tim McOwan “that Kopassus was a professional outfit” citing a report by Human Rights Watch report titled “What Did I Do Wrong?” Papuans in Merauke Face Abuses by Indonesian Special Forces,” which documents a number of cases of West Papuans who were allegedly tortured by Kopassus troops.
Joe Collins of the Australia West Papua Association, in a news release, queries the claim by Australian Special Air Services Comr. Maj. Gen. Tim McOwan “that Kopassus was a professional outfit” citing a report by Human Rights Watch report titled “What Did I Do Wrong?” Papuans in Merauke Face Abuses by Indonesian Special Forces,” which documents a number of cases of West Papuans who were allegedly tortured by Kopassus troops.
He says AWPA was concerned that special forces will always be used in conflict areas and that any training given to the Indonesian Special Forces (Kopassus) will be used against the West Papuan people who are struggling for their right to self determination.
“We are also concerned by the fact that Kopassus may receive training in urban warfare within Australia. Is it not time for Commander Maj. Gen. Tim McOwan and some of his troops to visit West Papua to ascertain the views of the West Papuan people on Australian military involvement with Kopassus?”
On Tuesday, members of the SAS and Kopassus staged antiterror drills at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Source:http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/australian-activists-demand-severing-of-ties-with-indonesian-military/399099
Related articles
Australian, Indonesian Military Exercise at Bali International Airport 2:59pm Sep 28, 2010
Indonesian Victims Want Answers as United States Lifts Kopassus Ban 12:46am Jul 26, 2010
United States Senator Regrets Ties with Indonesian Kopassus Military Force 10:57am Jul 23, 2010
Indonesia Rejects Proposal to Subject Girls to Virginity Tests 4:57pm Sep 28, 2010
Indonesian Sinar Mas-Linked Firms Cutting Virgin Rain Forest: Greenpeace 9:59am Jul 29, 2010
Share This Page
No comments:
Post a Comment