Twenty Indonesian sailors en route to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, were held hostage by Somali pirates in the Arab Peninsula on March 16, 2011. The pirates had increased the ransom from USD 2.6 million in the beginning to USD 9 million now. The hostages’ health is reportedly worsening, but as usual the government has no response on what to do.
Many people, myself included, suggest the government to send our commando to free the hostages right off the bat. It is the right time for TNI to show us that they still make us proud.
The last TNI’s show of force had been taken place in Don Muang Airport, Bangkok, 1981 when ill-fated Garuda airplane was hijacked by Islamic extremist. The operation was very successful and raised TNI to the world’s best commandos.
To ensure the hostage-freeing operation successful, we should remember what had happened in 1981.
First off, at that time we had our best leaders – President Soeharto and army intelligence chief Benny Moerdany – at their finest hour. These two men had been together in Mandala operation freeing (or annexing?) Papua. They both also had strong character and commanding leadership which are hardly found post-Pak Harto era.
The commando’s anti terror unit was not created overnight. It was Benny Moerdani who analyzed that the Indonesia’s plane hijacking would pose threat to national security. Then anti terror unit was established and later led by Sintong Panjaitan. They learned how other countries’ commandos work and Sintong concluded that the key of success in commando operation would have been unrelenting simulation training.
Second, Benny Moerdani had much confidence in his commando to release hostages. At that time the anti terror unit was at his disposal. He asked Pak Harto Harto not to negotiate with terrorists, military option should be chosen and let his men finish the jobs. Then Pak Harto okayed and gave permission to the attacking plan.
Confidence, quick decision and daring to take risk were the main key in this process. Should Benny have no confidence, there would have been no military action against the terrorist. Should Pak Harto have indecisive character, there would have been no chance for TNI to show his power. Louis Pasteur said that chance favors the prepared minds. And the well-trained commando had just got its chance to prove its ability on stage.
The operation was very effective and efficient. It took only 60 hours since the beginning of hijacking to the last gunshot. After the operation, TJP Purba, the anti terror unit member said: “our principle is very simple: silent, decisive and aggressive.”
Third, it was Benny who himself leading the commandos to storm the hijacked airplanes. He was already a general rank at that time and he didn’t need to risk his life in the battle, but he did it. He said the right place for him was with his troops (taking military action). What a brave leader he is!
It is reminiscent of Israelis army battle cry: follow me. The Israeli commanders must be in the vanguard – not in the tent behind the scene – showing their men how to fight the enemies directly. As a result, the leader will get much respect from his followers whether he is either finally dead or still alive.
It brings us to the current situation on our citizens held captive in Somalia. Do we still have the brave leaders with bold actions like Pak Harto and Benny? Are the commandos still at their best?
Pak SBY, to some extents, you have failed to protect Ahmadis, our minority citizens, now it’s time for you to prove your leadership by saving our citizens abroad where there is no pretext anymore.
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Reference:
1. Julius Pour, Benny Moerdani – Profil Prajurit Negarawan
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