Asia-Pacific Peacekeeping Seminar

The delegations of the leaders of the Republic of Samagaland and the Independent National Party of Tindoro (hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”), in the course of consultation and negotiations held in San Francisco from 21 April to 30 May 1992 under the Chairmanship of the UN Special Envoy, as a major step towards a political settlement of the conflict and national reconciliation have agreed:

2. The Parties have agreed that the concept of “cessation of hostilities” shall include the following:

a. The cessation by the Parties of all military activities. This includes all offensive operations within the country, shelling of territories, the conduct of military operations and training within 20 kms of the border, and the redeployment of any formation throughout Tindoro, which might result in the breakdown of this Agreement.

b. The cessation of blockades of populated areas, national economic and military installations and the restrictions of movement of the people of Tindoro

c. The freedom of movement of international aid agencies to all parts of Tindoro.

d. The cessation of the use of all forms of communication and mass media to undermine the process of reconciliation.

3. Furthermore the Parties agreed to the establishment of a North and South Tindoro. North Tindoro will become a province of Samagaland and South Tindoro will resume its independence. The border between the two will run generally along the 42^nd Latitude. See attached map for the border delineation.

4. Furthermore the Parties agreed to the establishment by 1 July 1992 of a Commission for the Consolidation of Peace to supervise the agreement. This Commission will comprise of the following five bodies:

5. With a view towards building confidence and trust between the Parties and to facilitate the observance of the cease-fire, the Parties have agreed to the establishment of a Joint Steering Commission. This Commission will be chaired by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and will include representatives of all the Parties. The Joint Steering Commission is tasked to observe and receive reports of any violation regarding the San Francisco Agreement.

6. This agreement was signed in San Francisco, California on 30 May 1992 and shall enter into force with immediate effect.

United Nations S/RES/00136 (2002)

UNITED NATIONS

RESOLUTION 00136

Adopted by the Security Council at its 4125 meeting

On 20 November 2002

The Security Council

Commending the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy Mr. Lee Thong Ng; and the results of negotiation in Japan.

Commending the efforts of the Parties in taking the appropriate measures to settle the conflict,

2. Commends the 2001 Siam Agreement signed by the Parties as the basis for further progress towards peace,

3. Decides to increase the strength of the UN Military Observers of UNMSMT, to introduce UN civilian police for border control, and to increase the humanitarian assistance campaign, in accordance with the plans outlined by the Secretary-General, to assure the implementation of the Siam Agreement. The Military Observers tasks will include patrolling the border between North and South Tindoro to settle and report Agreement violations as required and maintain liaison with headquarters of both national defense organizations. The UN civilian police will control the movement of personnel between North and South Tindoro and assist in the establishment of a new neutral border security organization,

4. Decides that the mandate UNMSMT shall extend for an initial period of twelve months from the date of this resolution. UNMSMT is authorized a maximum strength of 300 UNMO and UN Civilian Police of 600,

5. Invites the Secretary-General to submit to the Council, for decision if possible within seven days of the adoption of the present resolution, on the modalities of its implementation and the recommendations for the utilization of the monitoring mission,

6. Further Invites the Secretary-General to submit to the Council, not later than two months after adoption of the present resolution, a report on the implementation and compliance with the present resolution,

7. Emphasizes that it will keep open other options for further measures, none of which is prejudged or excluded from consideration,

The delegations of the leaders of the Republic of Samagaland and Government of South Tindoro (hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”), in the course of consultation and negotiations held in Japan from 20 October through 10 November 2002 under the Chairmanship of the UN Special Envoy, as a major step towards a political settlement of the conflict, national reconciliation and the solution of the problem with displaced people, have agreed:

2. The Parties have agreed that the concept of “cessation of hostilities” shall include the following:

a. The cessation by the Parties of all military activities. This includes all offensive operations within the country, shelling of territories, the conduct of military operations or training within 20 kms of the borders and the redeployment of regular and irregular formations throughout Tindoro, which might result in the breakdown of this Agreement.

b. The cessation by the Parties of acts of terrorism and sabotage within Tindoro.

c. The prevention by the Parties of murders, the taking of hostages, unlawful arrest and detention, and acts of pillage against the civilian population and servicemen in Tindoro.

d. The upholding of the rule of law and the role UN military and civilian personnel have in monitoring the new border zone.

e. The prevention of blockades of populated areas, national economic and military installations and of all means of communication to allow unhindered traffic by all parties.

f. The freedom of movement and access to all people by the international aid agencies to alleviate suffering caused by the conflict.

h. The cessation of the use of all forms of communication and mass media that may undermine the process of reconciliation.

3. Furthermore, the Parties agree to establish a new border between North and South Tindoro. North Tindoro will continue to be a province of Samagaland and South Tindoro will remain independent. That the border will act as a buffer between military (regular and irregular) forces and be controlled by the UN mission until replaced by a joint border policing institution. See attached map for the delineation of the new border.

4. Furthermore the Parties agreed to the establishment by January 2002 of a Joint Commission to facilitate the observance of the cease-fire and supervise the agreement. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General will chair this Commission. The Commission will comprise of the following bodies:

a. The Social-Economic Development Forum to supervise economic development programs along the border

c. A Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Committee to monitor human rights, oversee the humanitarian relief operations and to assist in the development of the displaced persons program

d. A Border Committee to monitor the marking and establishment of the new border and to hear disputes

e. A Demobilization and Resettlement Commission Committee (DRCC) to oversee the disarmament and repatriation of military personnel in North and South Tindoro.

5. Both Parties agree that their combatants in the border region would enter designated assembly areas, planned by the DRCC within three months and adhere to a demobilization program overseen by the DRC and other interested parties.

6. This agreement was signed in Japan on 10 November 2002 and shall enter into force with immediate effect.

United Nations S/RES/00147 (2003)

UNITED NATIONS

RESOLUTION 00147

Adopted by the Security Council at its 4237 meeting

11 April 2003

The Security Council

Recalling its previous resolutions and statements of its Presidents on the situation in Tindoro, in particular resolution 00136 of 20 November 2002,

Recalling also the 1992 San Francisco Agreement and the 2002 Siam Agreement between the Governments of Samagaland and South Tindoro regarding the border dispute and reconciliation between the two countries,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General describing conditions in the Island of Tindoro,

Deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation and the inability of the United Nations Monitoring and Support Mission in Tindoro (UNMSMT) to carry out its functions and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, in particular the desperate plight of the displaced persons in the island,

Re-emphasizing that the primary responsibility for the resolution of this crisis rests with the Parties themselves in resolving their differences,

Stressing the importance to schedule talks between the Parties and to prevent open warfare,

Welcoming the commitment by the Parties to resolve the conflict through peaceful means and negotiations,

Determining that the situation in Tindoro continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

2. Emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian assistance and the importance of unimpeded access by humanitarian organizations to those persons at risk,

3. Emphasizes further the need to restore calm in the civilian population and to prevent mass voluntary or forced movement of people from the border zones until satisfactory arrangements can be made to house them and requests the humanitarian agencies to establish and maintain internally displaced persons camps for those in need,

4. Authorizes the establishment of a multinational force under a unified command structure with the following tasks:

5. Authorizes the States participating in the multinational force to take all necessary measures to fulfill this mandate,

6. Welcomes the expressed commitment of the Republic of Samagaland and the Government of South Tindoro to cooperate with the multinational force in all aspects of the implementation of its mandate and the continued support of the UNMSMT mandate,

7. Calls upon the Governments of Greenland and Country X to cooperate fully with the Multinational Force and to refrain from unilateral actions that could hinder the implementation of the force’s mandate, and encourages them to adopt confidence‑building measures to promote an environment of mutual trust;

8. Welcomes the offer by the Government of Japan to lead discussions on the formation of the multinational force and of Member States willingness to contribute to the multinational force,

9. Stresses that the expenses for the force including deployment, logistics and sustainment will be borne by the participating Member States,

10. Agrees that the multinational force should collectively deploy to Tindoro until replaced as soon as possible by a United Nations peacekeeping operation, and invites the Secretary-General to make prompt recommendations on a peacekeeping operation to the Security Council,

11. Invites the leadership of the multinational force to provide periodic reports on the progress toward the implementation of its mandate through the Secretary-General to the Council,

12. Requests the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) who will have overall authority over the humanitarian, military observer and civilian police components in North Tindoro and South Tindoro and links to the parties to the conflict,

13. Requests further that the SRSG establish coordination mechanisms with the multinational force leadership and participating Member States and UNMSMT,

14. Requests also that the Multinational Force, pending the establishment of an International Tribunal with responsibility for investigating and prosecuting possible violations of international law, including crimes against humanity, committed in the course of conflict in Tindoro and adjacent areas, be prepared to cooperate fully with the Tribunal, including with regard to the identification and protection of sites where pertinent evidence might be located,

15. Urges international organizations and non-governmental organizations with programs in the Tindoro Region to cooperate and coordinate their efforts with UNMSMT and the Multinational Force in areas of the two countries where operations overlap,

16. Calls upon the international financial institutions and governments of Member States providing bilateral assistance to countries in the Diamond Region to increase their contributions and coordinate their efforts with those of UNMSMT in providing humanitarian relief and reconstruction and development assistance,

17. Emphasizes that it will keep open other options for further measures, none of which is prejudged or excluded from consideration,

This assessment was conducted under the direction of the DPKO Staff and Mr. Lee Thong Ng, as the basis for a Regional-led multinational effort to prevent further deterioration in the military and humanitarian conditions existing in North and South Tindoro. The assessment continues to show a general desire on both parties, Samagaland and South Tindoro, for peace and reconciliation. However, tensions remain high among some segments of both countries, especially those in the Queenstown, Campbell Town, Fingal, St. Helen’s and Derwent Bridge. There is still movement of displaced people along the border who fear conflict will worsen. Already the movement has seen damage to infrastructure formally run by government authorities and the abandonment of houses and property followed by subsequent vandalism and reoccupation by squatters. The humanitarian situation has worsened, as the scant resources available in South Tindoro after the failed harvest appear to be overwhelmed. The Armies of Samagaland and South Tindoro continue to deploy along the North and South Tindoro border. The assessment team recommends a multinational force (MNF) to deploy to separate the parties and support the UN Monitoring and Support Mission in Tindoro (UNMSMT). The MNF would also be required to assist the UN-led effort to resolve the political situation, conduct humanitarian assistance and other tasks supportive of a secure and stable environment in Tindoro.

Samagaland has registered complaints about the disruptive activities of South Tindoro forces and sympathizers in the Queenstown and surrounding districts. South Tindoro has responded with complaints about the disruptive activities of Samagaland forces with people who are part of the new South Tindoro namely – Fingal and St. Helen’s. These incidents have highlighted the difficulties in implementing the Siam Agreement. The cease-fire has been breached continually along parts of the border and frequent acts of terrorism on both sides that threaten the fragile peace. The UN military observer and civilian police mission has not been able to achieve its mandate and has no capacity to separate the parties or coordinate border crossings.

Overall, tensions are increasing, despite the leadership of both sides professing to be committed to preventing further conflict. UNMSMT is unable to prevent hostile acts by both parties nor can the civilian police properly manage the new border. Although Samagaland has committed the most breaches of humanitarian law, all sides are equally guilty. Fear is prevalent among the population, especially those in South Tindoro, who see a repeat of past cease-fires – an increase in violence and the willful disregard for internationally brokered peace agreements.

Neither side seems interested in dealing effectively with the growing displaced population. Because travel through the country is difficult because of the terrain, most of the displaced personnel are located along the border. South Tindoro’s difficulties are in the west where many sympathizers from Queenstown have crossed the border, and the east near Fingal and St. Helen’s. In the south the problem is more widespread as displaced people are coming into South Tindoro by sea using many entry points along the eastern coast. Both sides are falling behind in the construction of appropriate camps and acts of violence erupt occasionally as people fight for survival. The current uncoordinated international response at this time required immediate action.

The ongoing fighting has damaged much of the local infrastructure particularly the roads and communication facilities along the border. Many of the main roads are impassable because of damage caused by the severe rain but even more so because armed renegade bands often patrol and attack the limited humanitarian relief convoys. The same conditions are prevalent when humanitarian relief organizations have attempted to use secondary roads. There are several humanitarian workers still missing and the depots have been looted. In the camps, food is becoming increasingly scarce; sanitation conditions are bad, and there is little or no water. Those aid workers who remained in the camps suffer from an unacceptable level of intimidation and cannot leave.

The assessment team notes the effort of the members of UNMSMT to deal with the deteriorating circumstances in Tindoro before their departure. It recommends a military force be deployed to effectively separate the parties, to provide stability and a secure environment, and within capabilities to support the efforts of the proposed UN mission and the conduct humanitarian assistance. The imposition of such a force would lead to stable relations between parties and the return to economic prosperity for the people of Samagaland (North Tindoro Province) and South Tindoro.

This force should be a multinational coalition task force with the mission to establish a buffer zone and area of limitations along the newly agreed border to keep the parties separated and prevent resumption of conflict. Given the poor humanitarian circumstances and evidence of human rights abuse the force must within capabilities facilitate the humanitarian assistance effort. The demarcation of the border by the UN, the demobilization and reintegration of identified opposing forces and maintenance of law and order will require extensive support. The force must be capable of ensuring its own force protection, conducting its own intelligence and information operations campaign to support coalition task force efforts as well as the UN plan.

Without being prescriptive, the coalition task force should be approximately division-sized with additional supporting air and maritime components, and sufficient engineer, medical, and civil affairs assets to support the force. When available excess capability can be provided for humanitarian assistance efforts. Regional nations will form the core of the coalition task force and the headquarters, augmented by members from troop contributing countries (TCC). Japan has indicated its willingness to negotiate with other potential TCC on force composition and support requirements.

The UN should continue to supervise and coordinate humanitarian assistance efforts, infrastructure rebuilding, border demarcation and policing and the training of the neutral border police force. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General with continued overall responsibility for these tasks would provide a single focal point for the coalition task force commander to coordinate mutual concerns.

1. Within the UN family of emergency and development agencies the key organizations that were present in Tindoro and who are preparing to return as the security situation permits include:

a. World Food Program (WFP) – Mobilization and delivery of basic food and provision of supplementary food and the assessment of future requirements.

b. World Health Organization (WHO) – Primary agency for health including health monitoring, nutrition evaluation, public health, rehabilitation of health services and provision of medical equipment and supplies.

c. UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – Multi-sector assistance that focuses on alleviating poverty and assisting in the survival, protection and development of women and children (works also in developing countries not in conflict).

d. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) – Prime responsibility for monitoring the humanitarian crisis, the coordination of humanitarian agencies, and organizing timely and effective relief. By itself it does not distribute aid.

e. UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – A lead UN agency that helps the world's uprooted peoples by providing them with basic necessities such as shelter, food, water and medicine in emergencies and seeking long term solutions, including voluntary return to their homes or beginning afresh in new countries.

2. There has been an ongoing presence of UN humanitarian organizations in Tindoro since the first UN mission deployed resultant from the San Francisco Agreement in 1992. Prior to their departure these organizations had been focused on the capacity building of the national government infrastructure and local non-government organizations (NGO). However, the worsening humanitarian situation since early 2002 has resulted in the increased demand of emergency relief focused organizations in Tindoro.

3. There are other international organizations that play important roles during conflict be it war or during the conduct of peace operations. The lead one is the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC), which is a neutral and impartial organization tasked with the protection of the lives and dignity of those people suffering from conflict. It is an important organization that has special relationships in the country and is responsible for POWs, monitoring prison conditions, and family reunification.

4. The main offices of the UN organization were located in Hobart. The ICRC had offices in Hobart and Launceston.

a. Humanitarian relief operations are constrained by the violence and banditry from forces of the SDF and STDF, uncontrolled soldiers and militia groups operating primarily in the border area. Only the ICRC and some of the South and North Tindoro organizations that handle displaced people continue to operate in a limited fashion. Although valuable, the volume of humanitarian assistance they have been able to deliver has been limited. The critical need is for security and physical protection in the border and adjacent areas. CIVPOL will need to be deployed in sufficient numbers to impact the freedom of movement of NGO and UN agencies. In the areas of Queenstown, Fingal, and St. Helens UN agencies and NGOs had sporadic access even before the breakout of additional violence, therefore assessments of need, let alone its delivery, will be difficult to achieve.

b. The hostilities have partially destroyed some of the key infrastructure facilities in the country. Among these are highways, energy, and telecommunications. The entire health delivery system in the border and adjacent areas has collapsed. Many health professionals have been scared and have left the country. The only organized provision of health care in some areas is being carried out by some of the local NGOs who continue to operate despite all obstacles.

c. NGOs that are implementing partners of the UN agencies are prepared to move into Tindoro. Their areas of specialty are:

(1) Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere (CARE) – Activities are transport, logistics and shelter.

(4) OXFAM – Water, sanitation, food and shelter. In Tindoro its capacity is limited to water and sanitation.

6. A map (Annex2-B) shows the last known locations of displaced persons camps and estimated dependency.

History. Aboriginal people crossed the land bridge from Asia to the region more than 35,000 years ago. They were later isolated from the mainland by the rising waters that formed the Timor Sea and the shallow Bass Strait. The Dutch were the first Europeans to arrive in the region in the early 17th century and they later colonized Samagaland. In 1788 after a series of sea and land battles between Great Britain and the Netherlands, Great Britain claimed Tindoro Island as part of its empire and in 1803 the British landed near present-day Hobart with its first settlers and administration. There was by this time however Dutch settlers in the northern part of Tindoro who continued to resist in anyway possible assimilation into the British colonial rule.

By the early 1900s there were growing divisions in Tindoro between the central rule from Hobart and the economically strong north. Samagaland had been overtly supporting any incidents of social and political unrest at any opportunity both in the Region and in The Hague. This political bantering continued up to World War II when both Samagaland and Tindoro were left to their own devices.

At the conclusion of World War II both the Netherlands and Great Britain agreed to a gradual granting of independence to their remote colonies due in part by the distance between the mother country and the increasing social pressures for independence by Samagalanders and Tindoroese. Samagaland, with its economic wealth and landmass assimilated quickly to the concept of independence and began to pressure the smaller Tindoro to provide more freedom to the people in the north. This in effect resulted in the conflict that lead to a de facto North and South Tindoro in 1954.

During the civil war that followed, provided covert assistance to North Tindoro. In 1956, Samagaland increased its support and actively intervened with major ground, sea and air forces. By 1957, Samagaland occupied the entire island. This created concerns within the region and the former colonial governments but no action other than raising the issues at regional and international forums followed.

In 1992, under the auspices of the United Nations, South Tindoro was affirmed as an independent country and North Tindoro was made a separate province of Samagaland. A UN peacekeeping force deployed to North and South Tindoro to enforce the compliance with the San Francisco Agreement; the force withdrew in 1997.

Hostilities between North and South Tindoro erupted again, and in 2002 the parties agreed to cease hostilities and work towards a peaceful resolution of their differences, as outlined in the Siam Agreement.

The Republic of Samagaland encompasses the eastern portion of the mainland and the northern portion of the island of Tindoro, which lies 240 km (150 mi) south of mainland Samagaland.

Samagaland has an area of 2,784,200 sq km (1,074,760-sq mi). The capital of Samagaland is Canberra and the country’s total population is 13,895,000.

North Tindoro is a province of Samagaland, with an area of 27,800 sq km (10,500-sq mi). Total population of North Tindoro is 115,000. The provincial capital is Launceston.

Geography. The Island of Tindoro is very mountainous, with eight of its mountains rising higher than 1500 m (4920 ft). Mount Ossa (1,617 m / 5,305 ft), Tindoro’s highest peak and located just within North Tindoro rises from the central plateau. A network of lakes and rivers laces the surface of the mountainous terrain, and the coastline of the entire island (measuring 3225-km/2000 mi) is generally ragged. Substantial coastal plains are found only in the northwest and northeast and these areas are the center of farming activities.

Launceston, the capital and key city of North Tindoro, is located on the 65-km (40-mi) tidal estuary of the Tamar River and is the country’s major freight center. Devonport, Burnie, and Ulverstone are other important towns or ports.

Climate. The island’s climate is generally mild and moist. However, because Tindoro lies at the edge of the “Roaring Forties” wind belt and because the nearest land mass to the west of Tindoro is South Africa, strong winds and heavy rain (2500 mm/98 in per year) buffet the southern and western parts of the island. Combined with Tindoro’s fast-flowing rivers, the rain creates ideal conditions for hydroelectric power generation.

January and February are the warmest months, with average temperatures varying between 18° and 21° C (65° and 70° F). June and July are the coldest months, with an average July temperature of about 10° C (about 50° F), except in the Samagaland Alps, where temperatures average 2° C (35° F).

The eastern coastal lowlands of the mainland receive rain year-round, although mainly in summer. Prevailing westerly winds bring rains to the warm, temperate west and south coasts. Tindoro, situated in the cool temperate zone, is hit with heavy rainfall in both summer and winter -- from the prevailing westerly winds in summer and from cyclone like storms in winter. In the mountains, particularly in the Samagaland Alps in the southern portion of the mainland, snowfall can be heavy.

Population. Samagaland is heavily urbanized. On the mainland, the population is 13,780,000, of which some 85 percent of the population lives in cities. A common trend has seen the movement of much of the population from the rural areas to the larger coastal zones in the east and southeast. In North Tindoro, the population of 115,000 is concentrated in Launceston, and the towns of Devonport, Burnie, and Ulverstone.

Economy. Samagaland is an outstanding producer of primary products. The country is self-sufficient in almost all foodstuffs and is a major exporter of wheat, meat, dairy products, and wool. The country produces both beef and dairy cattle. Dairying is concentrated in southern mainland Samagaland and Tindoro.

Hard or black coal, mining is heavily concentrated in central Samagaland. Other major minerals in Samagaland include nickel, copper, zinc, and manganese. Petroleum has been discovered in southern Samagaland and offshore in Bass Strait. Natural gas is also extracted for power generation and export markets. The Bass Strait mineral wealth continues to be a source of tension between Samagaland and South Tindoro.

Manufacturing facilities are concentrated in southern Samagaland, noted for the production of iron and steel, jet aircraft, construction equipment, synthetic fibers, electronic equipment, power cables, and petroleum and petrochemical products. Industrial activity also includes the manufacture and assembly of machinery and motor vehicles and the production of food and clothing, wool mills and motor works.

North Tindoro has traditionally relied on its farming for economic development. Wool, hops, vegetables, beef, lamb, and dairy products are mainstays of the economy. Industry, assisted by inexpensive hydroelectric power, includes electrolytic zinc mills, paper mills, and a large confectionery factory. Launceston is the primary manufacturing center in North Tindoro.

Government. Samagaland is a federal parliamentary democracy. The constitution of Samagaland is based on Dutch bicameral (two houses) parliamentary traditions. The head of state is the President and the head of government is the Prime Minister, who is responsible to Parliament. In reality the principles of democracy are not upheld with the autocratic authority of the President overriding when he wishes. Many aspects of daily governance have been delegated to provincial authorities that rely heavily on the central government for funding.

Infrastructure. The main seaports in North Tindoro are Burnie, Devonport and Bell Bay that can berth ships and has roll-on-roll-off (RORO) capacity and depth suitable to take iron ore ships. Major airfields are located at Wynard and Launceston. There is a rail system used mainly for shipment of goods that services Queenstown-Burnie, Burnie-Devonport, Devonport-Launceston and Bell Bay-Launceston. Roads are generally in poor condition, subject to congestion and are dangerous in the mountainous areas. Power is generated by hydroelectric dams and from natural gas.

Military. Military service is a mixture of a cadre of fulltime personnel and reserve service; the fulltime component comprises conscripts and volunteers.

Army: 1 light division, 2 Independent Brigades (1 mechanized and 1 armored), Special Forces capability. Major equip M60 tank (2 Bn), M113, BRDM and BMP reconnaissance vehicles, 155mm Artillery (1 Bn) 105mm Field guns (2 Bn), 2 VLLAD Coy, combat service support – engineers (construction and field Bn), communications and service support. The focus of the Army is territorial defense with a capacity to launch and sustain expeditionary forces of 2 Brigades without augmentation of the reserve.

Navy: 4 ANZAC type frigates (Harpoon, phalanx and 76mm gun), 2 Perth class Destroyers (2 x 4” guns, seacat missile), 6 Corvette minesweepers, 4 Fremantle Class Patrol Boats, afloat re-supply capacity, amphibious and minor vessels with maritime UH1H anti-submarine capability. The focus of the Navy is maritime patrol of the EEZ, protection of fishing and protection of oil and gas supplies in Bass Strait.

Air Force: 2 squadrons F4, 2 squadrons Alouette helicopters, 2 PC (Orion) Maritime patrol aircraft and 10 C130A, airfield defense and maintenance support. The focus of the Air Force to provide support to the Army, conduct maritime patrol and CAP.

The Republic of South Tindoro covers the southern and eastern portion of the Island of Tindoro, which lies 240 km (150 mi) south of the mainland Samagaland.

South Tindoro has an area, including the smaller islands, of 40,600 sq km (15,700-sq mi), out of a total 67,800 sq km (26,200-sq mi) for the entire island of Tindoro. The capital of South Tindoro is Hobart.

Geography. As with the general description of Tindoro above, South Tindoro is mountainous and extremely rugged in the southwest. South Tindoro has the bulk of the central mountainous plateau, lakes, rivers and hydroelectric plants that can restrict movement. Farming and industrial activity is limited to the eastern region and around Hobart. Hobart is Tindoro’s capital and largest city as well as its main port. Lying in southeastern South Tindoro, the city spreads over the lower slopes of Mount Wellington and overlooks the wide Derwent estuary.

Climate. The island’s climate is generally mild and moist. January and February are the warmest months, with average temperatures varying between 18° and 21° C (65° and 70° F). June and July are the coldest months, with an average July temperature of about 10° C (about 50° F), except in the Samagaland Alps, where temperatures average 2° C (35° F). South Tindoro, situated in the cool temperate zone and in the mountains, snowfall can be heavy. Hobart’s annual rainfall is only 24”.

Population. Total population is approximately 1,750,000 of which a half live in the greater Hobart region

Economy. South Tindoro has traditionally relied on its natural resources for economic development. Wool, hops, vegetables, beef, lamb, and dairy products are important to the economy. Timber is harvested, and silver, copper, iron, lead, tungsten, and zinc are mined. The country’s large hydroelectric projects provide the cheap power for South Tindoro’s industrial base. Tourism, centered on the many national parks and the early settlement town of Port Arthur, is also an important source of income. The effects of fifty years of unrest or open warfare restricted economic growth, and the latest crisis has harmed the tourism industry in particular.

Government. South Tindoro is a single house parliament – the South Tindoro Legislative Assembly. The constitution of South Tindoro, which became effective in 1954, is based on British parliamentary traditions. The head of state and government is the Prime Minister, who is responsible to the people through the elected members of the Assembly. The South Tindoro Assembly is popularly elected.

Infrastructure. The main seaports in South Tindoro are Triabunna and Hobart; both have excellent facilities that in include deep-water anchorage and RORO. Navigation to the Hobart port requires a long approach down the Derwent River that can be difficult during the winter months. There is only one major airfield of international standard, which is located at Hobart. There is a rail system that was designed to provide mineral and primary produce shipment between the north and south of the island, rail stock still exists but the condition of the rail line is poor. Roads are generally in good condition but can be dangerous in the south and southwest mountainous regions. Power is generated by a number of hydroelectric dams that have excess capacity and were formerly planned to provide electricity to the entire island.

Military. The military service in South Tindoro is voluntary and only developing from what was left of the Tindoro Armed Forces and from international contributions of equipment and training. The purpose of the South Tindoro Armed Forces is to maintain territorial integrity and to protect its land border with Samagaland. Equipment is old and serviceability questionable however is it motivated to develop a strong South Tindoro.

Army: 1 light Brigade (1 Field Bn artillery, 1 Coy M113 APC and support vehicles) limited engineering capability, combat support (communications etc) and service support. There is a reserve component of 1500 predominantly infantry personnel.

Navy: 2 river class destroyers (2 x 4.5”guns, Bofors AA and anti-submarine mortar), 4 attack class patrol boats and minor ships