Handle demonstrations peacefully, soldiers told

JAKARTA (JP): City Military chief Maj. Gen. Wiranto told his security officers yesterday to stay clear of using force when handling demonstrators.

However, Wiranto stressed that the authorities must deal firmly with demonstrators who disrupt public order, stir social unrest or vandalize public facilities.

Wiranto said "some parties" have opted for street demonstrations to publicize their demands.

"Be careful not to be provoked by demonstrators to use force to break up their unconstitutional rallies," he instructed when installing the new chief of the City Cavalry Battalion 7, Maj. Burhanuddin Siagian.

Siagian replaced Lt. Col. Marciano Norman.

Marciano, a 1978 graduate of the National Military Academy, will be installed as the new chief of the Dili Military District in East Timor.

Burhanuddin, a 1981 graduate of the same academy and a fresh graduate of the Army Command Academy, previously served at the Center of Cavalry Weaponry at the Armed Forces headquarters.

Wiranto told the troops that street demonstrations generally involve people who are well-versed in politics and those who believe that they can get what they want through such rallies.

The Indonesian government has repeatedly expressed its intention to rule on street demonstrations. Although the government just scrapped its controversial gathering permit policy, street demonstrations still require permits because they can disrupt public order.

Stability

Wiranto advised the public not to express their views through demonstrations because the protests can disrupt stability.

He also questioned the effectiveness of street protests, arguing that mass mobilization usually has no clear aim because people are too busy shouting slogans and unfurling banners.

In some cases, he said, protesters are used by other parties to further their personal interests. Often, he added, security officers have to take strict action against them because they disrupt traffic.

He suggested that people should go to the related agencies to talk through their differences instead of hitting the streets.

"We (the military) are ready to discuss any issue," he pledged. (29)