Hendro warns people against racial issues

Hendro warns people against racial issues

JAKARTA (JP): The head of the Jakarta branch of the Agency for
Coordinating the Support for National Stability, Maj. Gen.
Hendropriyono, called on the public to remain vigilant against
the emergence of divisive racial issues.

In a briefing delivered by Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi
during a Saturday morning rally in support of the ongoing
Operation Cleansing held at the National Monument (Monas) square,
Hendro warned that the recent circulation of covert notes may
incite ethnic discord, the Antara news agency reported.

Hendro is the popular name of the two-star army general.

Hendro, who is also Jakarta Military Commander, ordered
security forces to take prudent action should such a case arise,
but cautioned his men not to "overreact" in their response.

"Avoid taking measures that might further provoke the
situation and instigate a riot," Hendro warned.

Around 16,000 security troops from army, police, marine and
civilian detachments gathered at seven military garrisons in the
greater Jakarta area on Saturday to participate in a simultaneous
rally to demonstrate their solidarity behind the anti-crime
drive.

At Monas square, the rally was attended by more than 680
personnel from Brigade Infantry I, a special motorcycle unit of
the Jakarta Military Command, police forces, marines, the Army
paratrooper Kopassus and the civilian guards (hansip).

Operation Cleansing is an aggressive crack-down on the rising
criminal activity in Jakarta.

Kahfi said that although the operation has succeeded in
curbing the crime rate, potential danger still lurks.

"There are always people in the community who wish to disrupt
stability," he said. "It's better for us to be ready by taking
preventive measures rather than repressive ones."

Kahfi also noted the importance of the operation in light of
the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum
meeting in November which will be attended by, among others, U.S.
President Clinton and Japanese Prime Minister Hata. (mds)