Hendro assures city's security under control
Hendro assures city's security under control
JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. A.M.
Hendropriyono promises he will curtail the activities of debt
collectors soon because they provokes concern among the public.
"Debt collecting agencies will be completely banned and we ask
people not to be afraid to report debt collectors to us," he
said.
Hendro, as the two-star general is popularly called, said the
existence of many debt collectors using intimidation and overt
physical coercion in the city was a source of distress not only
to debtors but for the community at large.
He urged people, who are being intimidated or terrorized by
debt collectors, to contact the Jakarta military command through
the Starpage radio call center at numbers 331100, 3902222,
3144000 and 3101188. The call center will relay the messages to
the armed mobile units equipped with motorcycles, which are
stationed at every military garrison in the greater Jakarta area.
"Don't hesitate to use their services," Hendro said.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after the inauguration of
a 44-meter-long suspension bridge across Cideng river, which
connects Jati Pulo subdistrict in West Jakarta and Tanah Abang
subdistrict in Central Jakarta, Hendro played down rumors
circulating among the public that Jakarta will be rocked by
street protests before the commemoration of national Independence
Day on Aug. 17.
Rumors
The general said that he is proud to see the Rp 10 million
(US$4,612) bridge which was built and financed by Jati Pulo
subdistrict residents grouped in the Mitra Babinsa and Bakor
Komwil, the two organizations of a subdistrict responsible for
the area's security. The two organizations are under the
patronage of a district military command.
"There is nothing to worry about because the city's security
is under control," he said yesterday.
Earlier yesterday South Jakarta Military Commander Lt. Col.
Priyo Handoko told reporters that the city's security is
threatened by rumors that certain people are planning to stage
street protests before the Independence Day celebrations.
The Jakarta Military Command has been busy with street
demonstrations staged by activists, students and journalists in
the past two months following the government's ban of three local
magazines.
Responding to questions about the strong indications of
another street protest, Hendro said that the command is prepared
to anticipate any situation.
"There have often been some strong indications (of protests)
but none of them materialized," he said. (mds/03)