E. Java military encourages people to confront rioters<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Military officials, attempting to assuage fears
\nstirred up by rumors of renewed rioting likely in East and
\nCentral Java, have given people the go-ahead to defend themselves
\nagainst rioters.<\/p>\n
East Java military chief Maj. Gen. Djoko Subroto said people
\nin the province, including Chinese-Indonesians, should join
\nforces in fighting rioters attempting to disrupt security and
\npolitical stability.<\/p>\n
"Aware that the people are ready to fight against them,
\n(would-be) rioters would think twice before causing unrest,"
\nSubroto said in the provincial capital Surabaya Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n
He said people had the right to protect their property and
\nfight those who tried to create instability in the province.<\/p>\n
"I hope people will have the courage to try to defend
\nthemselves. Of course, we will not let them fight on their own.
\nWe are always on the front line," Antara quoted him as saying.<\/p>\n
Local media reported that over the past week, many people,
\nespecially those of Chinese descent, were troubled by rumors of
\nmore rioting following the massive May unrest in Surabaya,
\nSurakarta, Central Java, and Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Some people have reportedly sought protection from security
\nforces.<\/p>\n
Djoko also urged the public to be wary of rumors aimed at
\nfostering friction between indigenous and nonindigenous people.<\/p>\n
"The nation is one. We do not need to hate and harm one
\nanother."<\/p>\n
He said the formation of neighborhood security patrols would
\nencourage all Indonesians to work together in defending
\nthemselves.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Tyasno Sudarto, chief of the Diponegoro
\nMilitary Command overseeing Central Java and Yogyakarta, urged
\npeople to remain calm, saying that the military guaranteed
\ndefense and security in the province.<\/p>\n
"The military is responsible for security in the town of Solo
\n(popular name of Surakarta) and surrounding areas. But, the
\npeople should also help maintain stability," he said.<\/p>\n
Many people have reportedly fled to the city's outskirts amid
\nthe rumors of renewed rioting. Many are still traumatized by the
\nMay riots when houses and shops were looted and burned and women
\nwere sexually assaulted.<\/p>\n
Tyasno called on people who have fled the city to return home.
\n(rms)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/e-java-military-encourages-people-to-confront-rioters-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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