E. Java military encourages people to confront rioters

E. Java military encourages people to confront rioters

JAKARTA (JP): Military officials, attempting to assuage fears
stirred up by rumors of renewed rioting likely in East and
Central Java, have given people the go-ahead to defend themselves
against rioters.

East Java military chief Maj. Gen. Djoko Subroto said people
in the province, including Chinese-Indonesians, should join
forces in fighting rioters attempting to disrupt security and
political stability.

"Aware that the people are ready to fight against them,
(would-be) rioters would think twice before causing unrest,"
Subroto said in the provincial capital Surabaya Tuesday evening.

He said people had the right to protect their property and
fight those who tried to create instability in the province.

"I hope people will have the courage to try to defend
themselves. Of course, we will not let them fight on their own.
We are always on the front line," Antara quoted him as saying.

Local media reported that over the past week, many people,
especially those of Chinese descent, were troubled by rumors of
more rioting following the massive May unrest in Surabaya,
Surakarta, Central Java, and Jakarta.

Some people have reportedly sought protection from security
forces.

Djoko also urged the public to be wary of rumors aimed at
fostering friction between indigenous and nonindigenous people.

"The nation is one. We do not need to hate and harm one
another."

He said the formation of neighborhood security patrols would
encourage all Indonesians to work together in defending
themselves.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Tyasno Sudarto, chief of the Diponegoro
Military Command overseeing Central Java and Yogyakarta, urged
people to remain calm, saying that the military guaranteed
defense and security in the province.

"The military is responsible for security in the town of Solo
(popular name of Surakarta) and surrounding areas. But, the
people should also help maintain stability," he said.

Many people have reportedly fled to the city's outskirts amid
the rumors of renewed rioting. Many are still traumatized by the
May riots when houses and shops were looted and burned and women
were sexually assaulted.

Tyasno called on people who have fled the city to return home.
(rms)