ABRI blames rumors for monetary crisis
ABRI blames rumors for monetary crisis
JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) is blaming Indonesia's
weakening monetary situation on certain groups who are spreading
malicious rumors to wane the economy.
Speaking to reporters after addressing a leadership meeting of
Golkar's labor wing SOKSI, Armed Forces Chief of Sociopolitical
Affairs Lt. Gen. Yunus Yosfiah said his office is investigating
the matter.
"I'm sure that there are people, or groups of people, who
intend to create instability and disorder in the country."
He said the Armed Forces Headquarters is investigating the
case, but declined to mention the source of the rumors.
"All indicators point to the fact that the rumors were
premeditated," Yunus said.
The rupiah plunged further following rumors of President
Soeharto's ailing health.
Rumors of Soeharto's death was the latest to rock the country,
just a few weeks after rumors of the death of business tycoon
Liem Sioe Liong.
Both rumors have proven to be false.
Commenting on people's susceptibility of the rumors, Yunus
said a lack of nationalism and social awareness were to blame.
He quickly dismissed suggestions that hearsay alone was
accepted by the public because of a lack of channels for people
to forward their aspirations.
House Speaker Harmoko also warned yesterday the nation of
frictions triggered by unfounded rumors ahead of the People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR) in March.
"While the country's political climate is soaring, we observe
that people are prone to being incited by rumors which are
intended to discredit each other," Harmoko said in a speech
marking the conclusion of the House of Representatives sitting.
The Assembly will convene in March to elect a president and
vice president for the 1998/2003 period.
"We have to stay on alert (against the rumors) and use our
wisdom as much as we can, because it will keep us from possible
anxiety," he said.
He conceded that, along with the increasing political
openness, people have found it easier to make constructive
suggestions and criticism on many subjects.
"This is a positive development, and should be nurtured in the
frame of Pancasila democracy," he was quoted by Antara as saying.
The critical attitude was felt even more necessary now that
the People's Consultative Assembly is deliberating drafts of its
decrees for the state policy guidelines, Harmoko said.
However, "those aspirations should be conveyed in ways which
are orderly, and politely," he said.
The House will be in recess until January 6. During this rest
period, a number of House members will make working visits to
various regions in Indonesia and abroad, including Korea and
United Arab Emirates.
Presidency
SOKSI chairman Suhardiman yesterday reiterated the groups
stance to persuade the Assembly to renominate President Soeharto
in next year's election.
"We'll remain committed to our earlier stance that President
Soeharto is still eligible for the 1998/2003 presidency," he told
reporters.
When asked about the president's health and age, Suhardiman
replied: "Only God knows about a person's life."
Suhardiman said should Soeharto eventually decide not to lead
the country anymore, the most suitable position for the 76-year-
old President would be to chair Golkar's board of patrons.
"It's time for the election winner Golkar, under Soeharto's
direction, to gain control of all political affairs in the
country," he said. (imn/amd)