ABRI presents its reform views

JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) presented its views on reform yesterday, warning that overzealous statements or protests threatening political and social stability in the reform process would not be tolerated.

It underlined political and social stability as a prerequisite in resolving the crisis.

ABRI also pointed out that without strong control, the current reform movement could be manipulated by parties that do not represent the interests of the people.

Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto forcefully warned that unruly demonstrations and protests would be crushed.

"In this context, ABRI's political stance toward the reform process is very clear and firm. The reform process must be constitutional, consistent, in the right direction, peaceful and orderly," Wiranto said in his report to the President during a ceremony at Merdeka Palace.

"The commotion of political activity, the various statements and demonstrations, if they are allowed to continue, they can disrupt stability. There is a tendency in recent activities in heading toward group interests," Wiranto asserted.

The President seemed to share the view that prolonged street demonstrations and the occupation of several government offices could destabilize the country.

"If this reform wave becomes uncontrollable and violates the foundations which unite our very pluralistic nation, it could be possible that our nation will become divided and weak," the President said.

"We do not want to face a national disintegration as experienced by other nations," he added.

The ceremony, the first official meeting between the President and ABRI's top brass since Habibie replaced Soeharto last month, was attended by 151 senior officers from the rank of colonel to four-star general.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, Navy Chief Arief Kushariadi, Air Force Chief Sutria Tubagus and National Police Chief Dibyo Widodo were seated in the front row facing Wiranto, who sat next to Habibie.

The presence of Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto, the Armed Forces Staff and Command School commander, attracted attention from his colleagues although he sat in the back row.

The reform concept is a part of the Armed Forces' contribution to the President in carrying out the country's reform agenda in relation to the economy, politics, society and security, Wiranto explained.

Wiranto said the details of ABRI's reform concept, prepared from May 7, would only be made public after its presentation to the House of Representatives today.

Without elaborating, Wiranto said the concept contained short- term targets which should be achieved before the end of the year.

"There is a very urgent reform agenda, which must be realized in the short term. Certain reforms must be carried out through 1998 and be finished by the end of this year," Wiranto said.

Habibie said last week that the People's Consultative Assembly would hold an extraordinary session in December as a precursor to elections in May next year.

Separately, Wiranto reaffirmed yesterday that the Armed Forces had supported the constitutional government under President B.J. Habibie since the beginning of the new administration.

"ABRI's support for Pak Habibie was announced during the transfer of duty from Pak Harto to the incumbent president on May 21," he told reporters after chairing a military leadership meeting at the ABRI Cilangkap Headquarters in East Jakarta.

"The second statement of support was announced on June 5," he said.

Wiranto called on the nation not to question Habibie's legitimacy as president anymore and start to concentrate on efforts to bring an end to the economic crisis.

"Continually questioning the President's legitimacy is only a waste of time because there are more urgent tasks to do," he said.

"There would be no guarantee that the person who replaced Pak Habibie would be acceptable to both the domestic and international community," he remarked.

He urged the nation to give the current government the opportunity to settle the crisis. "The nation needs political stability and a conducive environment to get out of the crisis."

"And the government's legitimacy can only be obtained when political stability and security remain steady," he added. (imn/prb)