30,000-strong security team created

JAKARTA (JP): A new 30,000-strong security team culled from ranks of the city's security personnel will assist in guarding against renewed outbreaks of unrest.

Making its debut in a public parade on Friday, the team consists of officers and staff members of all of the capital's security-related units, including the fire department, civilian defense office, public order office, land transportation agency and health agency.

Governor Sutiyoso, who led the parade, said one of the team's first tasks would be to prepare for any unrest which might occur in the next few days.

Rumors are circulating of renewed violence on or around Sept. 30, the 33rd anniversary of an abortive communist coup which effectively led to the ascension of Soeharto. He resigned from the presidency last May following widespread rioting.

In his speech, Sutiyoso ordered the team members to be on constant alert to "any bad possibilities" that could occur in the capital, already witnessing an increasing number of protests and discontent over skyrocketing prices of basic commodities.

"We should be ready to anticipate any possible unrest in the city.

"We all know that amid the government efforts to solve the political and economic crisis, we have seen the mushrooming demonstrations asking for a variety of demands due to their dissatisfaction over the recent situation."

Speaking to reporters after the parade, Sutiyoso said his administration had been informed of the possibility of renewed riots in the capital on Thursday when the country commemorates the suppression of the coup attempt.

Forecasts of impending unrest have struck fear into many Jakartans, particularly since banners erected around the city warn of a latent communist threat.

Rumormongers have also cited Pancasila Sanctity Day on Oct.1, Youth Pledge Day on Oct. 28 and National Heroes Day on Nov. 10 as bearing the potential for trouble.

Sutiyoso reminded all Jakartans to heighten their vigilance over the possibility that certain parties might make use of the upcoming national days for their own divisive causes.

"What we should always keep in mind is that the democratization process here could be uncontrollable (in that event) and, in turn, could spark anarchy and cause separation of our country's unity."

Sutiyoso admitted that city administration personnel were not optimally deployed when Jakarta was hit by the mayhem in May.

"Actually, the personnel could have backed up the security officers in handling the unrest. That's why we have to be more alert this time."

To this aim, Sutiyoso added, the team's personnel should be at the ready whenever the Jakarta Military Command needed them for assistance. (ind)