Noegroho prepares for long haul<\/p>\n
By Edith Hartanto<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): As security is stepped up for the People's
\nConsultative Assembly's Special Session which begins Tuesday,
\nthere is already controversy over whether preparations have gone
\ntoo far.<\/p>\n
Police and Assembly officials have denied installing an
\nelectrified barb wire fence on the Assembly grounds in Central
\nJakarta, while the deployment of civilian volunteers dressed in
\nmilitary-like uniforms has also drawn criticism.<\/p>\n
The involvement of some 30,000 Armed Forces personnel and
\npolice and some 125,000 civilians to secure the four-day session
\nfrom Nov. 10 through Nov. 13 is seen as necessary to anticipate
\nlarge demonstrations.<\/p>\n
This is the first operation of national significance under the
\nNational Police Force which will be separated from the Armed
\nForces. Meet the man entrusted to the task, Jakarta Police chief
\nMaj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman,, 51, who is also chief of the
\nJakarta Operational Command in charge of security in the city.<\/p>\n
He was Central Java Police chief for 14 months before being
\nput in charge of the capital's police on May 28, following the
\nshooting of four Trisakti University students, the ensuing riots
\nand Soeharto's downfall. Born in Purwokerto, Central Java,
\nNoegroho was previously East Timor police chief. Prior to that he
\nwas South Jakarta Police chief.<\/p>\n
Noegroho is rising to the challenge of people's demands for
\nthe avoidance of bloodshed and hopes to keep the event peaceful.<\/p>\n
The Trisakti shootings are still fresh in people's minds.<\/p>\n
Police received most of the blame leveled at the Armed Forces'
\nviolation of human rights. Since the Trisakti shootings, police
\nhave been seen carrying video cameras when securing
\ndemonstrations, reportedly in case they need to prove none of
\ntheir own carry nonstandard police weapons in scuffles with
\nprotesters.<\/p>\n
Noegroho was interviewed by The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
\nFollowing are excerpts from the interview.<\/p>\n
Question: How would you describe the current condition given
\nthe many groups with diverse views about the upcoming session?<\/p>\n
Answer: For me the groupings are clear: those who support the
\nsession and those who are against it. The latter are prone to
\ncreate trouble. If the different groups run into each other a
\nclash will be unavoidable. We have to prevent such
\nconfrontations.<\/p>\n
Can you elaborate on the groups and what you have done to
\navoid possible unrest?<\/p>\n
You can identify them if you closely watch developments. I've
\ntried to approach and warn the potential groups involved ... This
\nis for the sake of the nation. If chaos occurs, people could be
\nsacrificed again. I've told them that people have had enough
\nsuffering. Do not add their burden. I therefore urge them here to
\nrestrain themselves.<\/p>\n
We will be persuasive and preventive ...<\/p>\n
What about the groups such as the National Front (comprising
\nretired generals critical of the government) or others? Can they
\nbe considered threats to security?<\/p>\n
I don't know much about such groups. But they could be a
\npotential threat ... depending on their ideological leaning.<\/p>\n
What does the Special Session mean to you?<\/p>\n
It is part of (steps to) the next general election. It will
\nlead to democratization and the most important thing is for the
\nnation to meet its commitment in seeing through its agenda for
\nreform.<\/p>\n
There is still a long way to go ... So it would be a shame if
\ncertain parties threatened each other (and) put on a show of
\nforce. What for? Where would it lead this country?<\/p>\n
What about the security forces' position now? During the New
\nOrder era the police and military were considered part of the
\npolitical structure.<\/p>\n
We are instruments of the state, not the authority's tool. Our
\npriority is to safeguard the people, so there will be no
\n\"engineering\" of security forces during the session. No security
\nofficers here are being used as political vehicles. We are in the
\nmiddle, trying to secure (the safety of diverse protesters) but
\nwithout neglecting the existing rules, so we won't be dragged
\ninto anything. I have to keep racking my brains to think of a way
\nto avoid conflicts between security forces and the masses, and
\nalso among different interest groups.<\/p>\n
Are the security forces unified?<\/p>\n
Now the other military forces (deployed to secure the city)
\nare under the police's control and they have been able to adjust
\nto the (city security) system (under the Jakarta Operational
\nCommand) quickly. We are solid.<\/p>\n
I appeal for people to be more considerate of security
\npersonnel when they carry out their duties. Treat them as
\nhumans ... because they have been busting their bones, risking
\ntheir lives and get nothing in return except the pride of serving
\nand protecting people.<\/p>\n
What about suggestions that the MPR move the session to a
\nhotel if the situation warrants such a measure?<\/p>\n
We're not thinking of such an idea yet. It would be a shame if
\nwe couldn't hold the session in the Assembly building, which is
\nthe symbol of the nation's sovereignty ... I will try my best to
\ndefend the Assembly building.<\/p>\n
If you fail?<\/p>\n
Well, I just have to trust my police instincts then (smiling).
\nI believe we can pull through.<\/p>\n
What about demonstrations during the session?<\/p>\n
People can stage demonstrations as long as they abide by Law
\nNo. 9\/1998. The limits (the banning of demonstrations within a
\n500-meter radius of vital landmarks) are clear: the Manggala
\nWanabhakti building, Taman Ria Senayan amusement park, the road
\nalong the state-owned TVRI up to near Hotel Mulia Senayan (sites
\ndefined as near to MPR).<\/p>\n
Protesters might be allocated the Senayan Eastern Parking
\nLot ... hopefully we can avoid violence by identifying differing
\ngroups and prevent confrontations. Let the session be cheerful
\nand peaceful. People's enthusiasm may not last long, but we
\ncannot just ignore it as it may lead to anarchy. We have no
\nchoice but to safeguard the community.<\/p>\n
What about the front gate of the MPR (knocked down in an
\nearlier demonstration) and what about the special security
\ndevices such as electrified fences or surveillance cameras?<\/p>\n
We are planning to open the front gate on Friday (Nov. 6).
\nWe'll do it based on security measures. Let's not go into too
\nmuch detail. Electrified gate? We won't go that far ... ha ha ha.<\/p>\n
Don't you think it's dangerous to deploy \"uniformed\" civilians
\nas they themselves could initiate riots?<\/p>\n
We have to admit that we're facing a shortage of personnel.
\nThe civilians' role is to help maintain peace. The main objective
\nis to raise their awareness of securing their neighborhoods from
\npossible disturbances. The main forces are the security forces. I
\nhave specifically ordered the men on the field against overacting
\nor being arrogant, to avoid unnecessary disputes. Let's create a
\nwin-win situation here.<\/p>\n
What do you predict?<\/p>\n
Well .. it's up to God Almighty. I hope for the best ... The
\nlast thing I want is for a \"third party\" to take advantage of the
\nsituation.<\/p>\n
What about the possibility of masses coming to Jakarta as a
\nway of \"taking part\" in the session?<\/p>\n
I could say, do not struggle only to get a piece of cake. Too
\nmuch interference will only create chaos. As for facing a
\npossible flood of people into the capital, we're ready. And
\nremember, we're not announcing any stages of alert. I urge people
\nfrom all walks of life to continue with their regular routines.
\nBut one thing is for sure, there will certainly be some long days
\nand long nights ahead for me.<\/p>",
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