Gen. Wiranto apologizes for shootings<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces formally apologized for the
\nfatal shooting of four Trisakti University students on Tuesday
\nand said that three soldiers were killed when rioting erupted in
\nmany parts of Jakarta yesterday.<\/p>\n
Minister of Defense and Security\/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander
\nGen. Wiranto also insisted that despite yesterday's and the
\nprevious day's rampages, Jakarta remained under the control of
\nthe military and there was no need to impose a curfew.<\/p>\n
Wiranto conveyed his apology at a media briefing held at ABRI
\nheadquarters in Central Jakarta yesterday. The commanders of the
\nfour elements which constitute the Armed Forces -- Gen. Subagyo
\nHadisiswoyo of the Army, Admiral Arief Kushariadi of the Navy,
\nMarshall Sutria Tubagus of the Air Force, and Gen. Dibyo Widodo
\nof the National Police -- also attended the briefing.<\/p>\n
ABRI Chief of General Affairs Lt. Gen. Fachrul Razi, ABRI
\nChief of Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang
\nYudhoyono, and ABRI spokesman Brig. Gen. A. Wahab Mokodongan were
\nalso present.<\/p>\n
Wiranto said: "ABRI is really concerned and regrets Tuesday's
\nincident. It should not have happened."<\/p>\n
"We would like to express our sympathy for the students'
\nreform movement," he said, adding ABRI had not intended to stand
\nopposite the students.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the day, Wiranto said in Malang, East Java, that
\nABRI had never issued instructions to shoot people at
\ndemonstrations.<\/p>\n
"There was never any such instruction here nor, I think, in
\nother countries. If one was made, then it was a mistake and a
\nmisunderstanding that should be corrected," he was quoted by
\nAntara as saying after overseeing a transfer of duty for the Army
\nquick reaction task force (PRRC).<\/p>\n
He cited how, on the one hand, students wanted to conduct
\nstreet protests, while ABRI was worried that any such move could
\nlead to rioting.<\/p>\n
He also noted that student demands for political and economic
\nreforms were actually in line with the government's wish.<\/p>\n
"I appeal to all of you. What are we fighting in the streets
\nand on the campuses for?" he added.<\/p>\n
He maintained that ABRI will continue to take firm action
\nagainst those involved in ransacking, looting and other
\ndestructive actions.<\/p>\n
"I call on the rioters and other parties taking advantage of
\nthe chaotic situation to stop. ABRI will not hesitate to take
\nserious measures against those proven to have violated the law,"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
Crippled<\/p>\n
He denied that the rioting had crippled Jakarta, or that the
\nsituation had forced him to issue a shoot on the spot order
\nagainst rioters.<\/p>\n
"As you can see, people are still free to move around the
\ncity" he said, adding that he had no power to persuade foreign
\nmissions here to adopt his confident outlook for the security of
\nexpatriates remaining in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
There have been reports that foreign missions have started to
\nprepare for possible evacuations of their nationals here.<\/p>\n
"ABRI may have a different view from them, but ABRIs judgment
\nof the situation, which is accurate, tells us that Jakarta is
\nstill under control," he said.<\/p>\n
"The mobs moved very quickly and sporadically," Wiranto
\nadmitted, adding that to handle the situation in Jakarta, ABRI
\nhas deployed 101 task force units.<\/p>\n
"If necessary, we can send for additional forces from other
\nregions," he said.<\/p>\n
ABRI has no intentions other than to maintain order and
\nsecurity, and to protect the people, he said, adding that the
\nmilitary was responsible for maintaining public spirits,
\nespecially during bad times.<\/p>\n
Separately, Jakarta Military Commander Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin
\nduring an inspection of military personnel told soldiers to
\nfirmly uphold order but warned them to distinguish rioters and
\nregular people.<\/p>\n
"Bring peace to the community, give help to people who need
\nit ... If you see people having difficulty getting transportation
\nto get home, go down (from your vehicle) and assist them," he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
"Do not act alone, do not hesitate. Follow all the procedures
\nthat apply," Sjafrie remarked adding that swift action must be
\ntaken against looters.<\/p>\n
He also warned that there were efforts to pit Armed Forces
\npersonnel against the other, "we do not want to see that happen."
\n(imn\/swe\/ivy)<\/p>",
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