'ABRI consistent in approach to containing unrest'<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) has been consistent in
\nits approach to handling the recent incidents of unrest, namely
\nit has maintained stability, according to Minister of Defense and
\nSecurity Edi Sudradjat.<\/p>\n
Speaking after a House plenary session yesterday, Edi said
\nABRI had not taken a soft stance on troublemakers.<\/p>\n
\"The ABRI approach remains the same. It is not being soft.
\nWhat's important is that the approach is effective in ensuring
\nstability, because stability is important.<\/p>\n
\"Without stability, how can development proceed?\"<\/p>\n
Edi referred to a number of recent upheavals, including the
\nongoing interethnic conflict in West Kalimantan, and said the
\ncases were under investigation.<\/p>\n
He expressed concern about the unrest, but was confident that
\nABRI's tactics would help the situation.<\/p>\n
At least 3,000 soldiers are being deployed to contain the
\nunrest in West Kalimantan. Both the police and military received
\nmuch criticism after previous incidents in the last 12 months.<\/p>\n
Over the October riot in Situbondo, East Java, they were
\ncriticized for not containing the angry mob sooner. In the wake
\nof the July 27th riot in Jakarta they were condemned for their
\nharsh treatment of many people.<\/p>\n
The plenary session was the second held to discuss the new
\nbill on ABRI, designed to develop modern and professional combat
\npersonnel.<\/p>\n
Edi said the new bill accommodated changing times and the
\npublic's changing expectations of both the National Police and
\nthe military.<\/p>\n
He said the previous law, the 1947 Officer's Disciplinary Rule
\nwhich is a remnant from the Dutch colonial era, is no longer
\nsuited to the demands of today's combat troops. The old document
\ndeals with main and supplementary sentencing in the Armed Forces.<\/p>\n
The supplementary sentencing comprises a reduction in
\nofficers' salaries and rationing of meals, two acts which have
\nnever been implemented and violate human rights, Edi said.<\/p>\n
The new bill does not include such terms but instead comprises
\nfour areas; military law and order, military mobilization and
\ndemobilization, and disciplinary rules for the ABRI members.<\/p>\n
The minister said the bill would strengthen military
\ndiscipline within ABRI's existing role of maintaining national
\nsecurity. It also strives to uphold the police code of ethics and
\nimprove the force's professionalism.<\/p>\n
Police duties will include maintaining public security,
\npreventing public disturbances, and upholding traffic
\nregulations.<\/p>\n
\"The new bill stresses police officers' duties in accordance
\nwith military and civil laws,\" Edi said.<\/p>\n
He acknowledged that the soldiers and police officers of today
\nrequire training and education at all stages of their careers to
\nkeep abreast of the latest developments.<\/p>\n
People's rights would be guaranteed under the new law, he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
The ABRI chief would approve professional training programs
\nfor police officers, Edi said. (amd\/01)<\/p>",
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