Comments on the leadership of Hendropriyono

JAKARTA (JP): Following the induction of Maj. Gen. Wiranto as the new City Military Commander to replace Maj. Gen. Hendropriyono yesterday, here are comments about Hendro and Wiranto made by several figures from various walks of life:

Gen. Wismoyo Arismunandar, Army Chief of Staff, said: "I, as a person and the leader of the Indonesian Army, proudly say thank- you and convey my gratitude to him and his family for (his) dedication, service and constructive efforts he presented to the nation and country during his post as the Greater Jakarta Military Commander. With all sincerity and goodwill to give all his best, the General has succeeded in leading military personnel and the community through several break-throughs which, in turn, were a delightful success."

Sys NS, noted comedian, actor and television host said that Hendro is a great figure. "He fully understands the "languages" of criminals, young people, prostitutes, artists and many others which enable him to easily communicate with people of different characters and backgrounds. He's a figure not because of his job but his personality. I think he will still be a prominent figure after eventual retirement."

Senior High School Student, Faeny, 16, said, "Many delinquent students do not like police and military officers but Hendro has started to improve the image by doing something different through different approaches, such as the establishment of a school for them."

Yorrys Raweyai, a top figure of Pemuda Pancasila, a youth organization, several members of which have been accused of committing a series of crimes: "I'd like to say that he is good. He's able to motivate and lead people in such a way that they want to obey the available rules. He always had suggestions in many of our dialogs and meetings."

When asked to comment on a number of Pemuda Pancasila members arrested by Hendro for allegedly committing crimes, Yorrys added: "I have my own principal: It's better to be slapped by a friend rather than praised by a traitor. Moreover, anybody who intends to make difficulties for people without the guidelines of the law, he or she must be punished by the police and by the community as well."

Ronald Ronaldo, an executive from FKPPI youth organization: "In my opinion, he has succeeded in carrying out his goals in so many levels of society in the city. He, for example, gave us motorcycles to help facilitate the work of our organization."

Agus Butar-Butar, a press photographer covering military issues: "Hendro is good in harmonizing the relationship between the military officers and press people. It's indeed not a simple job to arrange such great cooperation, but he can do it properly."

Sulaeman, a senior non-military employee at the Jakarta Military Baton: "We learned and gained a lot of values on discipline since he was assigned here April last year. We're no longer able to come late or be absent from the routine morning ceremony."

Mrs. Hartaty Murdaya, a businesswoman and chairperson of the Indonesian Buddhist Council (Walubi): "As a Jakartan, I felt so safe in this city during his leadership. He, for example, always deployed his personnel to safeguard our meetings. Hendro is a brilliant figure."

All the interviewed people feel Wiranto will be able to continue the work Hendro started, and they hope he will strive to do just as well as Hendro, if not better. (bsr)