Jakartans divided over Sutiyoso's shoot-on-sight order

JAKARTA (JP): Human rights activists, businessmen and residents expressed alarm over the city military's shoot-on-sight order, while a legislator said it was reasonable.

The critics said yesterday the order issued on Tuesday by Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso had raised new fears among residents, who were still nervous after Saturday's street violence.

Sutiyoso had stressed, however, that the order would be a last measure if rioters got out of control.

A statement released yesterday by the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation said the order violates the basic legal presumption of innocence.

Chairman Bambang Wijoyanto urged Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso to immediately withdraw his order to prevent new tension.

However, a noted legislator said the order is necessary to avoid further chaos.

Aisyah Aminy, who heads Commission I for foreign affairs, defense and information, echoed Sutiyoso, who said ABRI has tolerated the violence long enough.

The military's patience was visible in the riots, when only rattan sticks were used instead of guns, she said.

"In securing the locations of Jl. Matraman, Jl. Diponegoro and Jl. Salemba Raya, even these actions can be considered too slow," Aisyah said.

However Aisyah, as quoted by the Antara news agency, called for extreme caution in executing Sutiyoso's order.

"The army must be very careful to differentiate rioters and pedestrians," she said.

"How could the military issue such an order when everything is sure to be fine?" an executive of a widely-diversified business group said, expressing confidence that the danger perceived by the military had receded.

"Haven't they ever considered that the order could create new, serious problems?" asked the businessman, who refused to be named.

Randy, an owner of an electronics shop in Glodok, West Jakarta, said people are afraid when they see soldiers at every location.

"This new shoot-on-the-spot order makes us feel as if we are living in a war zone," Randy said.

As of yesterday, armed soldiers were seen on guard at certain places and buildings on several main roads.

Although the number was visibly less than the previous days, their presence still created tension among the people.

A number of police from the elite forces were also seen on guard around the disputed headquarters of the Indonesian Democratic Party on Jl. Diponegoro, Central Jakarta.

They were equipped with guns at their sides, a marked difference from the previous days when they only had batons and shields to face rioters.

An officer said they were armed since Sutiyoso issued the order.

Housewife Irawati said the order could easily lead to the shooting of the wrong people.

"The armed soldiers on the streets are probably tired and are not likely to be able to control their emotions," she said.

Students said the order was just a psychological ploy to help calm down the situation.

"I bet nobody would dare take a great risk by shooting even a single rioter," Didik, a student of a private university, said. (bsr/anr)