Yemris Fointuna, Kupang – Commander of the Wirasakti Military Command in Kupang Col. Winston Pardamean Simanjuntak concluded Thursday that public protests against the planned construction of two battalion command posts in West Timor, East Nusa Tenggara, involved foreign interests opposed to their presence.
Simanjuntak blamed foreign interests for financing the activities of protesters.
The Indonesian Military (TNI) has planned to set up an infantry battalion and a combat battalion in North Central Timor and Belu regencies, both bordering Timor Leste, in 2009.
TNI data shows the number of military district commands throughout the country has reached 11, while the number of battalion command posts are now 96.
Simanjuntak acknowledged his command had met Atambua Bishop Dominikus Saku and other religious figures to discuss this.
"The Atambua bishop is aware of the importance of defense and security for the nation and its people. No one would be disadvantaged by the presence of these command posts, be it the provincial administration, the community, other agencies or non-governmental groups.
"We should realize that in the global era, defense must be strengthened," said Simanjuntak on the sidelines of the transfer of command between East Sumba and Manggarai military district commanders at the Wirasakti Military Command in Kupang on Thursday.
He added the country's defense system was based on popular support so that it could be available when needed.
He speculated that the protests against the planned construction of the battalion command posts involved interests that did not wish for an army presence to keep the peace, thus resulting in protests.
"We will continue to observe the local situation and to carry out public awareness activity," he added.
Simanjuntak said the TNI was open to discussions to explain to the community the importance of the role of these battalions in maintaining security and defense.
He added his command was already aware of the interest that funded the protests.
"The most important thing is to strengthen our resilience, because good or bad we depend on ourselves and not upon others," he said.
Simanjuntak considered that such protests were appropriate so long as they were followed up by clear explanations (on why the bases were needed).
"I think it's normal because people are not yet informed," he said.
He acknowledged the initial approaches carried out by the TNI had not been effective enough and had sparked opposition from local people, reflecting insufficient dialogue with local communities.
"I have asked the Atambua bishop and all elements of society in every village to discuss the matter," he said.
Simanjuntak said construction work on the command posts in Belu and North Central Timor would be carried out in stages until 2014, taking into account the country's economic conditions.