City military chief warns of continuing tension
City military chief warns of continuing tension
JAKARTA (JP): City Military Commander Maj. Gen. Slamet
Kirbiantoro warned on Thursday that security and political
concerns in the capital were on the roil due to a conspiracy by
certain groups wishing to jeopardize national unity.
"These groups have shown their intentions in the recent bomb
attacks on several venues in Jakarta and other cities," Slamet
said in a ceremony to commemorate the Jakarta Military Command's
51st anniversary at the Kemayoran fair ground.
Slamet would not identify the groups.
When asked whether the groups were identical to those
previously mentioned by Minister of Defense Mahfud M.D., Slamet
simply said: "The minister was well-informed about that."
Mahfud told a media conference on Wednesday that the
government had uncovered evidence that certain groups were
planning to increase tension in the capital by conducting mass
rallies, with the ultimate goal of destabilizing the government.
According to Mahfud, who declined to identify the parties
involved, the groups had held several meetings in Central Java.
Slamet admitted on Thursday security authorities were
shouldering one of their heaviest responsibilities ever due to
the unsettled situation.
"I admit, the duty my soldiers have to take on is harder now
than before. It's you, the press, who must tell political elite
to stop their dispute. We, the military, cannot raise the demand
otherwise people would condemn us," Slamet said.
More than 10 battalions of city military troops participated
in the celebration, including personnel from tank battalion,
infantry battalion, cavalry forces and combat engineers. Also
taking part were hundreds of trained civilians from North
Jakarta, West Jakarta, and South Jakarta.
The military command paraded 120 armored personnel carriers
during the ceremony.
Slamet claimed the number of soldiers was only two-thirds of
the entire troops under his command.
He denied that the huge parade, which was unusual, was a show
of force to demonstrate to the people that the city military was
ready to cope with a mass mobilization rumored to take place on
Monday.
"No, it is not a show of force. The troops are needed to check
our readiness and capability for rapid deployment," Slamet said.
Reportedly, thousands of people plan to converge on the
capital for a mass rally against President Abdurrahman Wahid. In
response to the report, Abdurrahman's supporters from East Java
prepared a counter mobilization, but it has been canceled.
Slamet said the city military should always be prepared to
maintain security in the city, regardless of rumors of a big
rally in the capital next week.
"I'm always ordered to provide soldiers, even if the rumor is
proven wrong," he said.
Slamet reiterated that the military served as a back-up force
in maintaining security and order, now that the police have been
given the leading role.
He said the responsibility to maintain security did not belong
to the police only, "but to all of the nation's elements".
The anniversary celebration of the Jakarta Military Command
fell on Dec. 24, but was delayed due to Christmas and Idul Fitri.
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