Jakartans 'need not fear troops on the streets'

Jakartans 'need not fear troops on the streets'

JAKARTA (JP): The people of Jakarta should have no fear of the
conspicuous presence of strongly armed troops in the capital,
Governor Sutiyoso said Tuesday.

The heavy concentration of security personnel from the police
and military, mostly armed with rifles, have been deployed at
various spots in the city in an attempt to intimidate ninja-like
"killers" believed responsible for murdering many people,
particularly Moslem preachers, he said.

"I am quite sure that these killers will be scared off should
they see such tight security here. If they were to see very light
security, who is there to stop them?" Sutiyoso asked reporters.

Besides, he said, the strong number of security personnel were
badly needed by the capital in view of the widespread rumors of
possible renewed chaos ahead of next week's special session of
the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

Many Jakartans were amazed on Tuesday at the appearance of the
heavy troop presence, particularly those around the MPR building
complex in Central Jakarta.

A great number of self-defense groups from various youth
associations, including Pemuda Pancasila, Pemuda Panca Marga and
Banser Nahdlatul Ulama, joined the security troops at the MPR
complex.

According to Jakarta Police Chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho
Djajoesman, there are some 20,000 police and military personnel
deployed in different parts of the capital.

He, however, refused to elaborate further on the mission of
the troops.

Sutiyoso, who had just completed his two-week official visit
to Europe, also asked Jakartans to look at the strong troop
deployments around many public areas abroad.

"Take our neighbor, the Philippines, as an example.

"Even the golf courses have military personnel doing their
rounds," the governor said.

He also cited the example of the strict security measures in
the popular Makati business district in the Philippines capital
of Manila.

Sutiyoso insisted that the deployment of the troops could help
Jakartans feel more secure.

"People should be grateful. So don't be afraid of or panic at
the sight of the troops or their uniforms," he added.

The murder spree in East and Central Java has worried city
residents and Moslem preachers over the past weeks with the
possibility of its encroachment on the capital.

A number of Moslem preachers in the greater Jakarta area have
reportedly received telephone death threats, believed to be
related to recent events in several cities in East and Central
Java provinces in which over than 140 people, mostly Moslem
preachers, have been brutally killed.

When asked about the possibility of the security personnel
attiring in civilian clothes to help lighten public fears,
Sutiyoso said that it was possible.

But he believed that the commanding officers would then have a
very tough time keeping track of their men.

"Only the intelligence officers are capable of mingling easily
in crowds," he said. (ylt/bsr)