Gatot Nurmantyo: Narcotics is More Dangerous than Terrorism

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta- 

INDONESIAN Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo is finally forming a team to investigate charges made by executed drug kingpin Freddy Budiman that a two-star TNI general had been involved in the illegal drug trade. The shocking accusation was revealed by Haris Azhar, coordinator of the Commission on Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), whom Freddy talked to in 2014.

Not long after the infamous drug dealer was executed by a firing squad, Haris reported Freddy’s claims about corruption in high places on social media. Predictably, the TNI, Police and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) retaliated by reporting Haris to the authorities for defamation, which is a criminal offense. “We ask that the police provide clear information on the two-star general cited (by Freddy) and then we will jointly cross-check it. I want to clean this up,” Gatot told Tempo.

He said the investigative team was tracking down relevant information, including checking data with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) for suspicious flows of funds. Gatot is aware that the public spotlight is on his armed forces, some of whose members have been arrested for involvement in drug-related cases. "This illegal business is sure to have impacted a number of law enforcement personnel, including TNI members."

In the middle of his tight schedule, Gatot met with Tempo reporters Martha Warta Silaban, Hussein Abri Yusuf, Yohanes Paskalis and Sapto Yunus for a special interview at the TNI headquarters in Central Jakarta last week.

During the hour-long interview, Gatot was accompanied by Assistant Commander of Operations, TNI Maj.Gen. Agung Risdhianto; Assistant Territorial Commander TNI Maj. Gen. Wiyarto; Assistant Commander for General Planning, TNI Vice Admiral Siwi Sukma Adji; Chief of Public Information, TNI Maj. Gen.Tatang Sulaiman; and Deputy Assistant Commander for Intelligence, TNI Brig.Gen. Andjar Wiratma. 

Excerpts:

Why did the TNI charge Haris Azhar with defamation?

I should thank Haris, who reported Freddy Budiman's accusation that a two-star TNI general was involved (in the drug trade). Based on that information, I formed an investigative team led by (TNI Inspector-General) Lt. Gen. Setyo Sularso. We begin with cases currently in court, in prisons and those that are no longer narcotics cases. Because the incident occurred in 2011, the two-star general could well be retired, or he could still be around as a three-star or four-star (general), like myself. But some aspects of Freddy, like his appeal and his attorney, according to the police findings, appear odd. The police are taking the lead investigating because they are much better at this. We asked for specific information on this two-star general, so we can cross-check it together. If it ends in an indictment, good, I am thankful. I want to clean it up.

Do you have a name for the general to be investigated?

Not yet. The highest rank we are processing is a colonel. We're looking from the bottom up. Whoever is a two-star (general) in 2011 would include someone like myself.

What has been the result of the investigation so far?

We are tracking down everything. We have asked for data from the PPATK. I am serious (about this). Narcotics are more dangerous than terrorists and the illegal business is sure to affect the law enforcement people, including the TNI.

How long will this team be doing its investigation?

Until they can get proof of what was said (by Freddy). Maybe it's true. After all, it involved a huge amount of funds.

Have you met Haris Azhar?

The TNI knows about the law better than us, the people. Even the new recruits are taught law and human rights. So, if there's a member of the TNI who is guilty, the penalty will be much heavier. And additional punishment would be a dishonorable discharge.

(On social media, Haris Azhar wrote A Bandit tells a Dirty Story on how Freddy Budiman claimed to have transported drugs with the help of a two-star general. The general would sit next to Freddy, who drove the car all the way from Medan to Jakarta).

The TNI, the Police and the BNN have each formed their own teams. Why not join forces and work together?

I'm thinking positively. If the police have a name or proof, I would be happy, because that's what I want. I coordinate with Budi Waseso (BNN chief), and I said, "If you have information, share it with me." But without proof, we can't do anything.

There have been quite a few drug-related cases involving TNI members. Are they penalized?

Since I became TNI commander, my brief has been to fight narcotics. I told all regional and unit commanders to clean up their acts. In South Sulawesi, it was their own people who arrested their company commander. I'm not ashamed of this because the TNI belongs to the people. I said this illegal drug business will affect law enforcement people. Well, this is what I will be battling. TNI is best when its small, efficient, still good and clean. TNI does not recognize rehabilitation for its addicted members. Imagine a person in charge of weaponry in an aircraft and he's high on something, and shoots the nearest plane he sees. The same goes for tankers and sharp shooters. It becomes very dangerous.

Is there special monitoring for areas that are suspected of drug trafficking, like the case in South Sulawesi? 

The company commander nabbed in Makassar is proof that we are monitoring (certain areas). I would not specifically declare a particular area is under scrutiny, that would put them on the alert. But we know all the drug entry points. (*)

Read the full interview in Tempo English Independence Day Special Edition