ABRI blames rumors for monetary crisis<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) is blaming Indonesia's
\nweakening monetary situation on certain groups who are spreading
\nmalicious rumors to wane the economy.<\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters after addressing a leadership meeting of
\nGolkar's labor wing SOKSI, Armed Forces Chief of Sociopolitical
\nAffairs Lt. Gen. Yunus Yosfiah said his office is investigating
\nthe matter.<\/p>\n
\"I'm sure that there are people, or groups of people, who
\nintend to create instability and disorder in the country.\"<\/p>\n
He said the Armed Forces Headquarters is investigating the
\ncase, but declined to mention the source of the rumors.<\/p>\n
\"All indicators point to the fact that the rumors were
\npremeditated,\" Yunus said.<\/p>\n
The rupiah plunged further following rumors of President
\nSoeharto's ailing health.<\/p>\n
Rumors of Soeharto's death was the latest to rock the country,
\njust a few weeks after rumors of the death of business tycoon
\nLiem Sioe Liong.<\/p>\n
Both rumors have proven to be false.<\/p>\n
Commenting on people's susceptibility of the rumors, Yunus
\nsaid a lack of nationalism and social awareness were to blame.<\/p>\n
He quickly dismissed suggestions that hearsay alone was
\naccepted by the public because of a lack of channels for people
\nto forward their aspirations.<\/p>\n
House Speaker Harmoko also warned yesterday the nation of
\nfrictions triggered by unfounded rumors ahead of the People's
\nConsultative Assembly (MPR) in March.<\/p>\n
\"While the country's political climate is soaring, we observe
\nthat people are prone to being incited by rumors which are
\nintended to discredit each other,\" Harmoko said in a speech
\nmarking the conclusion of the House of Representatives sitting.<\/p>\n
The Assembly will convene in March to elect a president and
\nvice president for the 1998\/2003 period.<\/p>\n
\"We have to stay on alert (against the rumors) and use our
\nwisdom as much as we can, because it will keep us from possible
\nanxiety,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He conceded that, along with the increasing political
\nopenness, people have found it easier to make constructive
\nsuggestions and criticism on many subjects.<\/p>\n
\"This is a positive development, and should be nurtured in the
\nframe of Pancasila democracy,\" he was quoted by Antara as saying.<\/p>\n
The critical attitude was felt even more necessary now that
\nthe People's Consultative Assembly is deliberating drafts of its
\ndecrees for the state policy guidelines, Harmoko said.<\/p>\n
However, \"those aspirations should be conveyed in ways which
\nare orderly, and politely,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The House will be in recess until January 6. During this rest
\nperiod, a number of House members will make working visits to
\nvarious regions in Indonesia and abroad, including Korea and
\nUnited Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n
Presidency<\/p>\n
SOKSI chairman Suhardiman yesterday reiterated the groups
\nstance to persuade the Assembly to renominate President Soeharto
\nin next year's election.<\/p>\n
\"We'll remain committed to our earlier stance that President
\nSoeharto is still eligible for the 1998\/2003 presidency,\" he told
\nreporters.<\/p>\n
When asked about the president's health and age, Suhardiman
\nreplied: \"Only God knows about a person's life.\"<\/p>\n
Suhardiman said should Soeharto eventually decide not to lead
\nthe country anymore, the most suitable position for the 76-year-
\nold President would be to chair Golkar's board of patrons.<\/p>\n
\"It's time for the election winner Golkar, under Soeharto's
\ndirection, to gain control of all political affairs in the
\ncountry,\" he said. (imn\/amd)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/abri-blames-rumors-for-monetary-crisis-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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