'ABRI consistent in approach to containing unrest'

JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) has been consistent in its approach to handling the recent incidents of unrest, namely it has maintained stability, according to Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat.

Speaking after a House plenary session yesterday, Edi said ABRI had not taken a soft stance on troublemakers.

"The ABRI approach remains the same. It is not being soft. What's important is that the approach is effective in ensuring stability, because stability is important.

"Without stability, how can development proceed?"

Edi referred to a number of recent upheavals, including the ongoing interethnic conflict in West Kalimantan, and said the cases were under investigation.

He expressed concern about the unrest, but was confident that ABRI's tactics would help the situation.

At least 3,000 soldiers are being deployed to contain the unrest in West Kalimantan. Both the police and military received much criticism after previous incidents in the last 12 months.

Over the October riot in Situbondo, East Java, they were criticized for not containing the angry mob sooner. In the wake of the July 27th riot in Jakarta they were condemned for their harsh treatment of many people.

The plenary session was the second held to discuss the new bill on ABRI, designed to develop modern and professional combat personnel.

Edi said the new bill accommodated changing times and the public's changing expectations of both the National Police and the military.

He said the previous law, the 1947 Officer's Disciplinary Rule which is a remnant from the Dutch colonial era, is no longer suited to the demands of today's combat troops. The old document deals with main and supplementary sentencing in the Armed Forces.

The supplementary sentencing comprises a reduction in officers' salaries and rationing of meals, two acts which have never been implemented and violate human rights, Edi said.

The new bill does not include such terms but instead comprises four areas; military law and order, military mobilization and demobilization, and disciplinary rules for the ABRI members.

The minister said the bill would strengthen military discipline within ABRI's existing role of maintaining national security. It also strives to uphold the police code of ethics and improve the force's professionalism.

Police duties will include maintaining public security, preventing public disturbances, and upholding traffic regulations.

"The new bill stresses police officers' duties in accordance with military and civil laws," Edi said.

He acknowledged that the soldiers and police officers of today require training and education at all stages of their careers to keep abreast of the latest developments.

People's rights would be guaranteed under the new law, he said.

The ABRI chief would approve professional training programs for police officers, Edi said. (amd/01)