Police Hint at Yet Another Extension of Operation Tinombala

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Police Headquarters spokesman Brig. Gen. Agus Rianto said operation Tinombala, that will end on May 8, 2016, is likely to be extended. “We will evaluate it first. We will plan further operation,” Boy said in Jakarta on Thursday.

Boy has called on Santoso’s group to turn themselves in. According to him, by turning himself in, Santoso could minimize the death of the members of his group. “So don’t blame police officers if a gunshot breaks out, especially since they are armed, against police officers who are also armed,” he said.

In the operation, Boy went on, all members of the police task force who carry out patrols are devided into a number of teams according to certain zones. However, Boy declined to explain further details about the strategy.

“I can’t tell you about the details. But both TNI [National Armed Forces] and the Police have to keep mobile to find the group. Not to stay at one point, according to the contour of the region,” Boy explained.

Operation Tinombala has been carried out since January to pursue Santoso terrorist network. They have been hiding in a forest in Poso mountains. The operation had been expected to end in March. However, Police Chief has extended it to May.

INGE KLARA SAFITRI