Infantry Brigade celebrates it's 31st anniversary

Infantry Brigade celebrates it's 31st anniversary

JAKARTA (JP): The City Infantry Brigade, one of the elite security forces overseen by the Greater Jakarta Military Command, celebrated its 31st anniversary at its headquarters in Condet, East Jakarta, yesterday.

In his celebration speech, the Jakarta Military commander, Maj. Gen. Wiranto, gave his orders to brigade members to wipe out any public disturbances that could possibly roil the city.

"We'll never allow the development of such a problem," Wiranto said in his speech read by his Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Sutiyoso (second from left, foreground, above picture).

The brigade, locally named Brigif-1 Pam Ibukota Jaya Sakti, has recorded a series of success stories in its operations, from quelling demonstrations and curbing student brawls to subduing warring neighborhood disputes.

"One of the most prestigious records of this brigade is its remarkable success in securing the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum held here recently," Wiranto said.

Everyday, Jakartans can see brigade members roaring down the streets on their motorcycles (picture below) around the city to help safeguard security in the capital city, a number of which are equipped with beepers to help them arrive at the scene of a crime immediately.

According to the brigade commander, Col. Romulo R. Simbolon, his battalion has not yet had any problems carrying out their tasks.

"The only problem we have is how to be professional," Romulo told reporters after the ceremony.

During the ceremony, the added attractions found in a number of earlier events were absent and Sutiyoso simply inspected the battalions and anti-riot forces before reading Wiranto's speech. (bsr)