Crisis may affect stability: ABRI

JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung warned yesterday that the current monetary crisis might affect the country's political situation as it prepares for next year's general meeting of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

"ABRI will continue to be vigilant against any possible upheaval due to the heated political condition ahead of the MPR's general assembly," Feisal said in a hearing with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I for security and defense.

He said the government has taken the necessary steps to solve the monetary crisis, with the hope that the national economy would soon recover.

"ABRI will not take even the slightest risk against any attempt to disturb and foil the general assembly," he said.

He called on the people to actively participate in creating political stability and orderliness.

Feisal said ABRI had launched an operation, code-named Mantap, across the country to ensure the success of the general assembly.

"Despite enhancing the people's participation in maintaining security and order, the Armed Forces is also intensifying other activities that will create a more conducive sociopolitical environment for the five-yearly political fiesta," he said.

Feisal also highlighted the need to anticipate development along with the increasing demand and expectations on the part of the people.

He said that despite social turmoil in certain areas -- natural disasters and the monetary crisis -- national political stability in the wake of the May 29 general election was relatively safe and under control.

"We have done our best to maintain stability... to ensure unity and cohesiveness," said Feisal.

Feisal was accompanied by Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Arief Kushariadi, Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Sutria Tubagus, National Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo and Deputy Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Subagyo Hadi Siswoyo. (imn)