ABRI marks birthday in simple fashion

JAKARTA (JP): A simple but respectable ceremony will be the highlight of this week's celebration of the 49th anniversary of the Armed Forces (ABRI), the organizers said yesterday.

Chief of the organizing committee Maj. Gen. Mansyur told a press conference that simplicity would characterize this years' series of events of social and community activities as well as ceremonial events.

ABRI marks its anniversary on Oct. 5.

Mansyur said the decision to keep it simple was made not because ABRI lacks funds but more because this year's anniversary did not coincide with any special occasion.

Next year, when ABRI turns 50, the ceremonies might be on a grandeur scale, he said.

The traditional military parade however will be retained.

This will be held tomorrow at the Kemayoran Fair Ground with President Soeharto, who is also ABRI's supreme commander, heading the ceremony. All the various units of the military -- Army, Navy, Air Force and National Police -- will be taking part.

A flyover show by the Air Force's planes will also color the ceremony.

Mansyur explained that the anniversary aims to reminisce the history of ABRI's formation, its struggles, achievements and flaws throughout the years, in the hope that this in turn can be a basis to motivate and enhance ABRI's task and responsibility in the future.

"The celebration will be a show of force as well as a demonstration of ABRI's partnership with the people," he added.

ABRI will also organize a series of activities dedicated to the community, such as social visits, the provision of free health services, training courses on law and professional military and sports competitions, and the main events which consist of military ceremonies, performances and an all-night- long shadow-puppet (wayang kulit) show. (pwn)