Attorney General Singgih: Beware of radical groups

Attorney General Singgih: Beware of radical groups

JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Singgih warned yesterday of
small but radical groups plotting drastic changes to the state
political system.

Speaking in the South Kalimantan capital of Banjarmasin,
Singgih said such groups would use the upcoming 1997 general
election to launch their zealous activities.

"We realize that as the election campaign draws near, the
political climate heightens. Thus astuteness is necessary," said
Singgih as he installed the chief of the provincial prosecutor's
office.

As reported by Antara Singgih said the issues highlighted by
these groups would generally be aimed at discrediting the New
Order government under President Soeharto.

This could be done by dramatizing issues of economic and
social disparity, he said.

Singgih did not identify groups but the government has
recently been getting tough on a number of non-governmental
organizations and pointed to the existence of "formless
organizations."

Jakarta banned the Democratic People's Party (PRD) and
affiliated organizations claiming they instigated the July 27th
riots.

"Apart from social disparity these groups would also focus on
matters such as the environment, human rights, democratization,
(political) openness. This will create public distrust in the
government thereby creating social turmoil which could threaten
the safety of the state," Singgih said.

He urged all law enforcement and court officers to remain
alert against these groups. Anticipation and action against these
groups must be taken at the earliest possible stage, but in
accordance with the law, he said.

Singgih warned members of the unsuspecting community to be
wary and avoid being solicited by these groups.

The attorney general said professionalism and diligence would
help counter these groups.

As Fuad Thalib was inaugurated as the new chief of the South
Kalimantan provincial prosecutor's office, Singgih said there was
a need for such qualities.

They are needed even more now as the nation prepares for the
general election, Singgih said.

Fuad Thalib, formerly chief of Jambi provincial prosecutor's
office, replaces Teuku Usman Basyah who begins retirement.

The law states that the chief of the provincial prosecutor's
office also functions as head of the government's election
monitoring committee.

Singgih said the role was important because in the current era
any whiff of electoral impropriety was immediately scrutinized
abroad.

"Any mistake in the election process would call into question
the image of Pancasila democracy, not only on a national scale
but also an international one," he said. (mds)