Gen. Wiranto apologizes for shootings

JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces formally apologized for the fatal shooting of four Trisakti University students on Tuesday and said that three soldiers were killed when rioting erupted in many parts of Jakarta yesterday.

Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto also insisted that despite yesterday's and the previous day's rampages, Jakarta remained under the control of the military and there was no need to impose a curfew.

Wiranto conveyed his apology at a media briefing held at ABRI headquarters in Central Jakarta yesterday. The commanders of the four elements which constitute the Armed Forces -- Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo of the Army, Admiral Arief Kushariadi of the Navy, Marshall Sutria Tubagus of the Air Force, and Gen. Dibyo Widodo of the National Police -- also attended the briefing.

ABRI Chief of General Affairs Lt. Gen. Fachrul Razi, ABRI Chief of Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and ABRI spokesman Brig. Gen. A. Wahab Mokodongan were also present.

Wiranto said: "ABRI is really concerned and regrets Tuesday's incident. It should not have happened."

"We would like to express our sympathy for the students' reform movement," he said, adding ABRI had not intended to stand opposite the students.

Earlier in the day, Wiranto said in Malang, East Java, that ABRI had never issued instructions to shoot people at demonstrations.

"There was never any such instruction here nor, I think, in other countries. If one was made, then it was a mistake and a misunderstanding that should be corrected," he was quoted by Antara as saying after overseeing a transfer of duty for the Army quick reaction task force (PRRC).

He cited how, on the one hand, students wanted to conduct street protests, while ABRI was worried that any such move could lead to rioting.

He also noted that student demands for political and economic reforms were actually in line with the government's wish.

"I appeal to all of you. What are we fighting in the streets and on the campuses for?" he added.

He maintained that ABRI will continue to take firm action against those involved in ransacking, looting and other destructive actions.

"I call on the rioters and other parties taking advantage of the chaotic situation to stop. ABRI will not hesitate to take serious measures against those proven to have violated the law," he said.

Crippled

He denied that the rioting had crippled Jakarta, or that the situation had forced him to issue a shoot on the spot order against rioters.

"As you can see, people are still free to move around the city" he said, adding that he had no power to persuade foreign missions here to adopt his confident outlook for the security of expatriates remaining in Jakarta.

There have been reports that foreign missions have started to prepare for possible evacuations of their nationals here.

"ABRI may have a different view from them, but ABRIs judgment of the situation, which is accurate, tells us that Jakarta is still under control," he said.

"The mobs moved very quickly and sporadically," Wiranto admitted, adding that to handle the situation in Jakarta, ABRI has deployed 101 task force units.

"If necessary, we can send for additional forces from other regions," he said.

ABRI has no intentions other than to maintain order and security, and to protect the people, he said, adding that the military was responsible for maintaining public spirits, especially during bad times.

Separately, Jakarta Military Commander Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin during an inspection of military personnel told soldiers to firmly uphold order but warned them to distinguish rioters and regular people.

"Bring peace to the community, give help to people who need it ... If you see people having difficulty getting transportation to get home, go down (from your vehicle) and assist them," he said.

"Do not act alone, do not hesitate. Follow all the procedures that apply," Sjafrie remarked adding that swift action must be taken against looters.

He also warned that there were efforts to pit Armed Forces personnel against the other, "we do not want to see that happen." (imn/swe/ivy)