Soesilo upbeat about national security in 1996<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and
\nSecurity Soesilo Soedarman said yesterday he is optimistic
\nIndonesia will remain stable in 1996 because the situation has
\nbeen good in 1995 despite some tension.<\/p>\n
Soesilo expressed concern only that a number of political
\nissues that have affected security this year could persist in
\n1996.<\/p>\n
\"There are signs that some of the political issues that have
\ndeveloped in December will continue into January 1996,\" he told
\njournalists, after heading a monthly meeting with ministers under
\nhis charge to review the security and political situation.<\/p>\n
While maintaining that Indonesia will continue to enjoy a
\nperiod of stability, Soesilo said the challenges facing the
\ncountry next year will be no fewer than those facing it in 1995.<\/p>\n
\"We hope that political stability and security, which are the
\nresponsibility of us all, will be better in 1996, although the
\nobstacles we face won't be any lighter,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Among those taking part in the meeting yesterday were Minister
\nof Justice Oetojo Oesman, Minister of Information Harmoko,
\nMinister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat and Attorney
\nGeneral Singgih.<\/p>\n
Soesilo did not elaborate on the persistent political issues
\nlikely to stay at the fore in 1996, but said that incidents which
\noccurred in five cities this year had caused concern.<\/p>\n
Unrest with racial and religious undertones rocked the cities
\nof Surakarta, Semarang, and Pekalongan in Central Java, Pasuruan
\nin East Java and Purwakarta in West Java this year.<\/p>\n
Despite these incidents, Soesilo said national stability was
\nnever under threat. He maintained that the incidents in five of
\nIndonesia's 301 regency capitals did not mar the country's good
\nsecurity record.<\/p>\n
\"These problems have been resolved and now we are
\ninvestigating their causes,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Soesilo said that while there is a high level of internal and
\nexternal dynamism in societal life, \"there are no real forces
\nwhich can disturb or shake the security and political stability\".<\/p>\n
Soesilo called on the public to remain vigilant and promised
\nthat the government is taking every step to anticipate likely
\npolitical problems in 1996.<\/p>\n
\"We should stay aware of potential political issues which
\ncould crop up at anytime,\" Soesilo said.<\/p>\n
The Armed Forces has warned throughout the year of an increase
\nin activities by radical groups, particularly in West and Central
\nJava. Government officials have also stressed the need to
\nheighten awareness to counter a possible resurgence of communism.
\n(mds)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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