Jakarta must nurture its collectivity, Soeharto says

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto says Jakarta needs special territorial supervision to foster a feeling of collectiveness among residents in the metropolitan city.

In a written statement commemorating the 48th anniversary of the Jakarta Military Command on Wednesday, the president said territorial supervision doctrines were based on experiences in Indonesian villages during guerrilla warfare, when collectivity was still strong.

"So the city's military command should adjust its policies, strategies, tactics and techniques of territorial supervision," Soeharto said in the statement read by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Wiranto.

The President also urged the military command to take part in downgrading the negative impacts of individualism -- one of the characteristics of metropolitan living.

He also reminded the Armed Forces (ABRI) to give the city administration, other government institutions and public leaders more leeway to handle their duties and responsibilities.

"ABRI's basic views in maintaining security and order in this era of development is tut wuri handayani (to take a backseat)."

After delivering the President's speech, Wiranto asked Jakarta Military Command members to stay on alert during the economic crisis and political situations such as the March general session of the People's Consultative Assembly.

"All members should remain loyal, united and have the ability to deal with all situations," he said.

Wiranto reiterated that the Army had already prepared for the best and worst outcomes.

During the ceremony, Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin promised to maintain order in the city.

"We prefer to use dialog and communication to solve problems."

But, he said, the military command was ready to take action if the situation demanded such an approach.

Sjafrie said he would increase professionalism among personnel to prepare them for all manner of security problems.

Yesterday's modest ceremony was held at military command headquarters on Jl. Mayjen Sutoyo in Cililitan, East Jakarta.

The guests, including former military commanders, foreign attaches and public figures, sat in the shade of tents and were served nasi tumpeng (traditional rice cones).

The headquarters, formerly known as Greater Jakarta Basic Command, changed its name to Jakarta Military Command in 1960.

Col. Umar Wirahadikusumah, who was vice president at the time of the changeover, was the first Jakarta Military Commander until 1965. Sjafrie, who was installed on Sept. 24, is the 15th commander. (jun)