Hendro warns people against racial issues<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The head of the Jakarta branch of the Agency for
\nCoordinating the Support for National Stability, Maj. Gen.
\nHendropriyono, called on the public to remain vigilant against
\nthe emergence of divisive racial issues.<\/p>\n
In a briefing delivered by Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi
\nduring a Saturday morning rally in support of the ongoing
\nOperation Cleansing held at the National Monument (Monas) square,
\nHendro warned that the recent circulation of covert notes may
\nincite ethnic discord, the Antara news agency reported.<\/p>\n
Hendro is the popular name of the two-star army general.<\/p>\n
Hendro, who is also Jakarta Military Commander, ordered
\nsecurity forces to take prudent action should such a case arise,
\nbut cautioned his men not to "overreact" in their response.<\/p>\n
"Avoid taking measures that might further provoke the
\nsituation and instigate a riot," Hendro warned.<\/p>\n
Around 16,000 security troops from army, police, marine and
\ncivilian detachments gathered at seven military garrisons in the
\ngreater Jakarta area on Saturday to participate in a simultaneous
\nrally to demonstrate their solidarity behind the anti-crime
\ndrive.<\/p>\n
At Monas square, the rally was attended by more than 680
\npersonnel from Brigade Infantry I, a special motorcycle unit of
\nthe Jakarta Military Command, police forces, marines, the Army
\nparatrooper Kopassus and the civilian guards (hansip).<\/p>\n
Operation Cleansing is an aggressive crack-down on the rising
\ncriminal activity in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Kahfi said that although the operation has succeeded in
\ncurbing the crime rate, potential danger still lurks.<\/p>\n
"There are always people in the community who wish to disrupt
\nstability," he said. "It's better for us to be ready by taking
\npreventive measures rather than repressive ones."<\/p>\n
Kahfi also noted the importance of the operation in light of
\nthe upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum
\nmeeting in November which will be attended by, among others, U.S.
\nPresident Clinton and Japanese Prime Minister Hata. (mds)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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