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. (02)