'ABRI consistent in approach to containing unrest'

'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)