[Kabar-indonesia] Analysts doubt likelihood of objective probe into arms stash

[Joyo at aol.com]

The Jakarta Post 
Tuesday, July 4, 2006

Analysts doubt likelihood of objective probe into arms stash

Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Military analysts believe a probe into the recent discovery of a huge arms 
stash at a deceased Army officer's residence will not offer full disclosure of 
its findings.

University of Indonesia defense expert Andi Widjajanto said the Indonesian 
Military (TNI) would never reveal the investigation's results if other 
high-ranking officers were implicated and it jeopardized the institution's standing.

"The military police carrying out the investigation had no problem disclosing 
details about Brig. Gen. Koesmayadi and his business regarding the discovery 
of the cache because he has already passed away, but they will not do so with 
his possible network in the Army and the possible motives behind the secret 
hoard."

He added that investigators would first consult with the Army leadership and 
expert staff before divulging any findings to the public.

In an unusual public admission of an internal military matter, Djoko 
announced last Thursday the discovery of 145 rifles, 42 pistols, 28,985 bullets, nine 
grenades and 28 pairs of binoculars at one of Koesmayadi's houses in Ancol, 
North Jakarta.

After receiving an official report from Army Chief of Staff Gen. Djoko 
Santoso last week about the discovery, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered a 
thorough investigation to identify how he acquired the stash and who else was 
involved.

Military analysts and legislators believe the stash was not for personal use 
of the 53-year-old, who died of heart problems on June 25, but probably 
indicated involvement in arms trading amid problems of accountability and 
transparency in procurement in the country's defense forces.

Indonesian Military Commander Air Chief Marshall Djoko Suyanto has said 
Koesmayadi probably had accomplices in compiling the stash.

Ikrar Nusa Bhakti of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) said it was 
impossible for investigators to conduct a thorough and objective probe into 
case, especially due to Koesmayadi's close professional links with former Army 
chief Gen. Ryamizard Riyacudu. He served under Ryamizard as the assistant for 
logistics at the Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad), and later at Army 
headquarters.

"Investigators won't disclose possible political motives behind the large 
number of arms because the find was made amid rumors of an assassination attempt 
planned on the President, who apparently has yet to gain full support from the 
military."

Andi and Ikrar agreed the military would take quick measures, including to 
replace officials in strategic positions, to maintain the military's cohesion if 
investigators found political motives in the case.

Legislators urged the military leadership to have the courage to carry out a 
full probe and reveal its findings to the public for transparency and 
professionalism.

Djoko Susilo and Ade Nasution, members of the House of Representatives' 
Commission I which covers defense matters, said their commission supported the Army 
chief's move for a transparent investigation.

"Our commission will hold a hearing on July 10 with the TNI chief and Defense 
Minister Juwono Sudarsono to gain first-hand information on the find and the 
investigation's result, said Djoko.

Ade said the minister and the military leadership were expected to provide a 
comprehensive explanation of Koesmayadi's activities, as well as any business 
or political reasons for the hoard.

Djoko described Koesmayadi as a powerful but troubled figure in the Army, due 
to his alleged involvement in marking up purchase prices for four MI-17 
choppers from Russia in 2003.

"Koesmayadi only had the rank of colonel at the time but his recommendation 
to appoint PT Putra Pobiagun Mandiri to conduct the purchase was accepted by 
the Army chief although the military partner company did not meet all the 
requirements," he said.

Meanwhile, the deputy for special crimes at the Attorney General's Office, 
Hendarman Supandji, said Monday that Koesmayadi was on the list of witnesses to 
be interrogated in the chopper scandal.

"We were going to summon him as witness but no schedule had been determined," 
Hendarman said.

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Joyo Indonesia News Service
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