`ABRI must safeguard stability'

`ABRI must safeguard stability'

JAKARTA (JP): Despite budgetary constraints, the Armed Forces
(ABRI) must safeguard national stability without having to take
over the tasks of other state agencies, President Soeharto says.

"As a stabilizing agency, ABRI is expected to create a
condition that allows all state apparatus, in Jakarta and the
regions, to function in accordance with their tasks," Soeharto
told ABRI's top brass yesterday at the Merdeka Palace.

"ABRI must do this without intervening in the affairs of the
other apparatus," he said.

The military could carry out its mission by continuing to
watch out for the causes of unrest and upheavals that occurred in
the past or likely to occur in the future, he told some 170
officers who were here for ABRI's annual leadership meeting.

The officers completed their two-day meeting yesterday to
review the security situation, discuss the challenges facing the
nation and underline their tasks for the coming year. They also
discussed ABRI's fourth five year strategic plan (Renstra IV)

In his report to President Soeharto, ABRI Chief Gen. Feisal
Tanjung said the leadership meeting concluded that national
security, despite some disruptions here and there, has been well
maintained and conducive for development.

Feisal said that although ABRI's strength has not reached its
ideal level, the military is always vigilant against potential
threats and disruptions to the nation, national unity, cohesion,
territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Present at the meeting were the chief of staffs of the Army,
the Navy, the Air Force and the chief of the National Police. All
of the regional commanders were also in attendance.

The meeting reviewed the performance of ABRI's dual role -- in
politics as well as in its traditional role in defense, according
to Feisal.

Soeharto, himself a retired army general, appealed for ABRI's
understanding about the government's own budgetary constraints
and about the fact that most of the funds had been earmarked for
programs to improve the welfare of the people.

He promised, however, to ensure that Indonesia could maintain
the minimum necessary strength needed for the military to defend
national sovereignty.

"On behalf of the government, I want to convey my gratitude
for ABRI's patience and understanding in carrying out its duty
with limited budget," he said.

Gen. Feisal said in his report that the drive to make ABRI a
more professional, effective and efficient force should not be
taken to mean that the military must be expanded. The stress is
on enhancing the capability and fighting spirit of the soldiers.

Rp 1.6 trillion

The government has earmarked some Rp 1.6 trillion ($760
million) on defense spending in the current fiscal year.

Soeharto also appealed to the military to act as the
"dynamizing" agency in the country, by taking the lead in various
national causes and at the same time allowing other forces in the
country to play their role.

He reminded the officers that the nation has yet to fully
realize its concept of total people defense in which ABRI, as the
main force, work together with other forces in the nation to
safeguard the country.

He said military training for people outside ABRI could be
considered as it could bring major benefits to society. "Upon
completion of their military service, they could return to
society and earn a livelihood in the field of their choice."

The President also appealed to ABRI to pay a special attention
to the efforts in containing crime in the country because recent
developments have been a cause of concern for the people.

He said there should be closer coordination between ABRI and
other law enforcement agencies, and the public must also be
encouraged to participate in preventing and containing crime.
(rms)