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)