Djadja vows to secure capital ahead of Aug. 17 celebrations

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djadja Suparman has pledged to deploy thousands of military personnel to help secure the capital ahead of Monday's celebration of the 53rd anniversary of Indonesian independence.

He made the pledge in a meeting with representatives of non- governmental organizations (NGOs) on Monday night amid rumors of renewed mass rioting.

"All personnel stationed in Jakarta will be involved. If the city police chief asks us for support, we are ready," he told the media.

He reiterated that he would cooperate closely with city police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman, who is in charge of security in the city.

Seventy five thousand military personnel and 17,000 police officers are stationed in Jakarta.

Rumors have been circulating over the past few weeks that a fresh wave of rioting would erupt a few days ahead of the Aug. 17 celebrations.

Djadja called on the city's residents not to believe the rumors, some of which have been spread on pamphlets. He also encouraged them to join in with efforts to safeguard their neighborhoods.

"I have received reports about the rumors and read pamphlets provoking the public to join a certain movement on a certain date," the two-star general said, adding that the public should not allow themselves to be easily influenced.

Last week, the capital's security forces held a parade of 1,500 police and military personnel to help convince the public that they were ready to handle any further outbreaks of unrest.

Units which participated in the parade were the Jakarta Police Mobile Brigade, the Jakarta Military Command and the Jakarta Military Police.

Each unit is equipped with vehicles to enable them to move quickly around the city.

Djadja also urged certain parties not to mobilize the masses or stage rallies that could lead to unrest.

"I suggest they consider what are the priorities for this nation," he said.

He said those who ignored the request would face legal sanctions.

"We must uphold the law. The city police chief has made repeated calls for this. Let's unite to pursue this," he said.

Djadja also asked NGOs to help bridge the communications gap between civilians, government officials and the Armed Forces.

"We have to communicate to build the same perception of what we should do. We should share information and all make a positive contribution," he said. (ivy)