ELITE POLICE BRIGADE PLAYS CRITICAL ROLE IN RECENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 001232

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, S/CT, PM, INL,
DS/IP/EAP, DS/ITA/EAP
NSC FOR J.BADER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/23/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINS ASEC ID
SUBJECT: ELITE POLICE BRIGADE PLAYS CRITICAL ROLE IN RECENT
CRISES

REF: A. JAKARTA 1225

B. JAKARTA 1226 AND PREVIOUS

Classified By: Ambassador Cameron R. Hume, reasons 1.4 (b+d).


1. (C) The Indonesian National Police elite Mobile Brigade
is playing a critical role in the aftermath of the July 17
bombings in Jakarta and in the ongoing situation impacting
the Freeport mining operation in Papua. Both situations
involve the safety and security of American citizens.
However, Department policy prohibits almost all USG
engagement with the Mobile Brigade because of past
involvement in past human rights violations. That policy
must change. This message outlines a way forward to resume
working with this critical unit.


2. (C) The Indonesian National Police (INP) Mobile Brigade
has played a leading role in response to the July 17 bombings
at the Ritz Cartlon and Marriott hotels that injured several
Americans and killed at least seven people, including
Australians and a New Zealander (see Ref A). Mobile Brigade
personnel responded immediately after the bombings and
ensured the security of hotel guests and the crime scene. As
the hotels recover from the bombings and plan to reopen
shortly, Mobile Brigade is the force guarding the area where
these U.S. investments are located.


3. (C) Mobile Brigade and Detachment-88 personnel are also
the GOI's front line response to a series of shootings at the
Papua operations of American mining corporation
Freeport-McMoRan. Since July 11, unknown assailants
suspected of being Papuan separatists have killed five and
injured 13--including both Freeport employees and police
personnel. (An Australian is among those killed, see Ref B.)
While no Americans have been killed or injured, the attackers
remain at large and the attacks continue. Mobile Brigade is
securing Freeport's contract of work area--a region the size
of Rhode Island--and searching for the attackers.


4. (C) For security reasons, the United States must reengage
with the Mobile Brigade. Mission believes this can be done
without in any way compromising the United States' commitment
to human rights--so long as certain conditions are met.
Specifically, any Mobile Brigade officer approved for
USG-sponsored training must be:

-- Free from any credible allegations of involvement in gross
human rights violations; and,

-- Assigned to a unit commanded by an officer free from
credible allegations of involvement in gross human rights
violations.

This vetting criteria would exclude Mobile Brigade personnel
who are culpable for human rights violations and allow us to
train those Mobile Brigade personnel whose human rights
records are untainted. Doing so will provide a critical
boost to Indonesian antiterror capabilities and help ensure
the safety and security of Americans in Indonesia.

HUME