Crisis may affect stability: ABRI

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)