30,000-strong security team created<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): A new 30,000-strong security team culled from
\nranks of the city's security personnel will assist in guarding
\nagainst renewed outbreaks of unrest.<\/p>\n
Making its debut in a public parade on Friday, the team
\nconsists of officers and staff members of all of the capital's
\nsecurity-related units, including the fire department, civilian
\ndefense office, public order office, land transportation agency
\nand health agency.<\/p>\n
Governor Sutiyoso, who led the parade, said one of the team's
\nfirst tasks would be to prepare for any unrest which might occur
\nin the next few days.<\/p>\n
Rumors are circulating of renewed violence on or around Sept.
\n30, the 33rd anniversary of an abortive communist coup which
\neffectively led to the ascension of Soeharto. He resigned from
\nthe presidency last May following widespread rioting.<\/p>\n
In his speech, Sutiyoso ordered the team members to be on
\nconstant alert to \"any bad possibilities\" that could occur in the
\ncapital, already witnessing an increasing number of protests and
\ndiscontent over skyrocketing prices of basic commodities.<\/p>\n
\"We should be ready to anticipate any possible unrest in the
\ncity.<\/p>\n
\"We all know that amid the government efforts to solve the
\npolitical and economic crisis, we have seen the mushrooming
\ndemonstrations asking for a variety of demands due to their
\ndissatisfaction over the recent situation.\"<\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters after the parade, Sutiyoso said his
\nadministration had been informed of the possibility of renewed
\nriots in the capital on Thursday when the country commemorates
\nthe suppression of the coup attempt.<\/p>\n
Forecasts of impending unrest have struck fear into many
\nJakartans, particularly since banners erected around the city
\nwarn of a latent communist threat.<\/p>\n
Rumormongers have also cited Pancasila Sanctity Day on Oct.1,
\nYouth Pledge Day on Oct. 28 and National Heroes Day on Nov. 10 as
\nbearing the potential for trouble.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso reminded all Jakartans to heighten their vigilance
\nover the possibility that certain parties might make use of the
\nupcoming national days for their own divisive causes.<\/p>\n
\"What we should always keep in mind is that the
\ndemocratization process here could be uncontrollable (in that
\nevent) and, in turn, could spark anarchy and cause separation of
\nour country's unity.\"<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso admitted that city administration personnel were not
\noptimally deployed when Jakarta was hit by the mayhem in May.<\/p>\n
\"Actually, the personnel could have backed up the security
\nofficers in handling the unrest. That's why we have to be more
\nalert this time.\"<\/p>\n
To this aim, Sutiyoso added, the team's personnel should be at
\nthe ready whenever the Jakarta Military Command needed them for
\nassistance. (ind)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/30000-strong-security-team-created-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}