Analysis of the WHO and Military Relations

 Wolbachia-Infected Mosquitoes and Military Involvement:

Analysis of WHO and TNI Relations

By: Richard Claproth

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released intriguing information on its website regarding the involvement of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). The  link to TNI information on the WHO site raises questions about the relationship between this global health organization and the Indonesian military.

Information on the WHO Site: On April 7, 2019, the WHO site listed Indonesian military contacts, notably Colonel Tjahja Nurrobi, who served as the Chief of Cooperation and Medical Civic Mission Unit. This raises the question: why appoint military contacts to represent WHO, especially when they are not the primary decision-makers? Dr. RM Tjahja Nurrobi, leads the Integrated Health Services Division at the TNI Health Center with the rank of Navy Colonel and is also a permanent lecturer at the Indonesian Defense University (UNHAN).

Another operational contact, Captain Soni Lasmana, from the Navy of the Indonesian Armed Forces Headquarters, serves as the Staff of the Surgeon General of the Indonesian Armed Forces. The WHO site also provides information on "protracted crises," highlighting incidents that are chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) in nature. "Protracted crises" refer to difficult situations that persist or last for an extended period. In the WHO context, Captain Soni Lasmana is involved in protracted crises, including CBRN events, indicating a focus on incidents that may last a long time.

This information may be related to international cooperation or sharing information related to medical and health activities. However, considering the cunning modus operandi of the World Mosquito Program (WMP), such as the operation in Bali to release 200 million mosquitoes, it needs to be monitored by the Indonesian Intelligence Agency (BAIS) and the National Intelligence Agency (BIN). The following is a thought simulation of a fasting scientist critically thinking about WHO information and its relationship with national intelligence agencies, and this information is of a simulated nature.

In the context of a national security simulation related to biological threats, several possibilities can be considered:

• Military Involvement in Health Emergencies:
• Military contacts, such as Colonel Tjahja Nurrobi and Captain Soni Lasmana, in medical missions and civil citizenship contexts indicate the possibility of collaboration between the military and the health sector. This may aim to respond to health emergencies, including biological threats.
• The question is, what is the TNI's stance on Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes?

• Coordination of Preparedness and Response:
• Military forces are often involved in national preparedness and response efforts, including those related to biosecurity. Their involvement may focus on coordinating medical missions, deploying personnel, and managing logistics in the face of biosecurity threats.
• The question is, why is the TNI silent?

• Interagency Collaboration:
• Collaboration between the military and health organizations, as indicated by contacts on the WHO site, may reflect efforts to enhance interagency collaboration. This is crucial to responding to biosecurity threats by leveraging the strengths and resources of different sectors.
• The question is, why was this information not anticipated, especially when BAIS and BIN were informed beforehand and remained silent?

• Sharing Information for Global Health Security:
• The presence of this information on the WHO site may indicate a commitment to transparency and international cooperation in the realm of global health security. Sharing details about key contacts and coordination points can facilitate a rapid and coordinated response to emerging health threats.
• The question is, has the TNI examined genetically modified mosquitoes from the perspective of national defense and security? Why did the TNI not question BIN, which allowed the import of mosquito eggs from Australia?

• Dual-Use Capability:
• Military organizations often have dual-use capabilities, meaning they can contribute to both defense and civilian purposes. In the context of biosecurity, this may involve utilizing military infrastructure and expertise for public health purposes.
• The question is, regarding Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, why hasn't the TNI taken a stance?

• Enhanced Monitoring and Supervision:
• Military involvement in biosecurity includes enhanced monitoring and supervision capabilities. The military can play a role in monitoring and securing borders to prevent the spread of biological threats.
• Given the dissemination of information about the release of Wolbachia mosquitoes without involving the TNI, what is the TNI's stance?

Overall, the presence of military contacts in the biosecurity context can indicate a comprehensive and collaborative approach to addressing potential threats. This emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts across various sectors to protect national security from biosecurity challenges.

Additional questions arise: Why does the military remain silent in the release of Wolbachia mosquitoes? Is it because there is an order from the WHO to remain silent? These questions involve policy aspects and may be related to specific contexts. However, in many cases, government decisions or health institutions' decisions to involve or not involve the military in health initiatives, such as the release of Wolbachia mosquitoes, may be influenced by specific considerations. Some factors that can influence these decisions include:

• Public Health Expertise and Involvement:
• Health initiatives are often managed by departments or public health institutions with specialized expertise in the field. The military may not always be the most suitable body to handle specific health issues. If yes, how prepared is the TNI to face bioweapon threats?

• Utilization of Military Resources:
• Careful consideration of military resource utilization. In the context of releasing Wolbachia mosquitoes, if the military has the capability or resources that can help, they may be involved. However, this decision will depend on national strategy and health policies. The situation is urgent because mosquitoes have already been released. Why hasn't the TNI taken a stance?

• Coordination between the Health Sector and Military:
• Coordination between the health sector and the military can be a crucial factor. In some cases, health initiatives may involve cooperation and coordination between different institutions. Has this coordination been done with the Minister of Health, Minister of Manpower, Minister of Tourism, Minister of Environment, Minister of National Development Planning (Bappenas), Minister of Defense, BAIS, and BIN? The leadership of the new TNI leaders is being tested here.

• Approval and Legal Regulations:
• Approval and legal regulations may govern the military's role in public health activities. The decision to involve or not involve the military may be influenced by the applicable legal framework. Why hasn't the TNI used this right?

• Consultation with International Organizations:
• In some cases, governments may consult with international organizations such as the WHO to seek guidance or approval before involving the military in public health activities. If this is done, our country's sovereignty has already been taken over by the WHO. Did the TNI let that happen?

• Public Perception:
• Public perception of the military's role in health initiatives can also play a role. The government may consider public response to the military's presence in the health context. However, the people are eagerly awaiting a firm stance from the TNI. When will that firmness be announced to the public?

Although orders or guidance from the WHO may be a crucial factor in decision-making, this is not a reason for the TNI Commander to remain silent. Why?

The country is in a critical situation!