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)