TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Commander of the National Defense Force (TNI) General Moeldoko said that the TNI did not plan on carrying out military operations in Poso, Central Sulawesi, to arrest terrorists suspected to be hiding in the region.

He told reporters that joint TNI forces would only conduct combat training in the forest and sea territories of Poso, Antara News reported.

The location was chosen because of the potential of security threats in the region, he explained, adding that later, when the TNI conducts operations there, it would know the location better.

"If operations are to be carried out later, personnel will already have knowledge of the front, the enemies and the weather," he affirmed.

The general stated that the exercise, which commences on Monday, was a routine annual activity organized by the TNI.

The Indonesian police are still tracking down members of the terrorist group led by Santoso who are believed to be hiding in the region.

They have already arrested 10 people believed to be members of Santoso network this year.

Santoso and his group are believed to be behind a series of terror attacks on security setups and residents in Poso district and in several other areas in Central Sulawesi.

The police declared the group as dangerous and wanted three years ago.

Furthermore, the exercise, which will be opened this evening, will have 3,200 personnel from the army, navy and air force participating in it.

Moeldoko noted that it was not aimed at catching terrorist suspects, but added, "If we find Santoso and his men, we will ask them to surrender and shoot them if they don't."

The commander has arrived in Poso to open the two-week training.

ANTARA NEWS