Jakartans vow to be loyal to the military
JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of Jakartans, from various ages and socio-economic levels, pledged loyalty to the military and authorities in a mass gathering at Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, Saturday morning.
"Warga Jaya Indonesia (the People of Greater Jakarta) are ready to face any parties trying to undermine Pancasila (the national ideology) and UUD 45 (Constitution), disturb stability and damage the unity and integrity of this nation," they vowed in a statement read by the organization chairman, Abdul Gafur, a former minister.
The ceremony was led by the newly-installed head of the Jakarta Chapter of Coordinating Agency for National Stability (Bakorstanasda Jaya), Maj. Gen. Wiranto, who is also the City Military Commander.
The Jakarta-based organization, called the Development Board for the Potency of the Greater Jakarta people (BPP Warga Jaya Indonesia), was founded on Dec. 30, 1967. Its personnel have just been reorganized in the past few weeks.
"Warga Jaya Indonesia are ready to participate in increasing public security and order for the sake of the people, in line with the measures carried out by the Bakorstanasda Jaya," vowed Gafur, who was born in Halmahera, Maluku, 56 years ago.
Wiranto said the organization is going back to play an active role in helping the military and authorities as well to fight against public disorders.
"We appreciate their good will as it will benefit the whole community, particularly in the ongoing development process of this country," he said.
"In 1967, they helped city military officers in sweeping up the remaining members of the banned PKI communist party living in the greater Jakarta area," Wiranto said.
Yellow cloth
Wearing yellow T-shirts, freely distributed by the organization to the gathering's 15,000 participants, approximately one-third of the people left the open space arena on Jl. Landasan Selatan near the Jakarta Fair complex early due to the one-hour delay of Wiranto's arrive.
"We've waited on this hot road for three hours without water and food. As there is nobody to help us, it's best to leave before we collapse on the spot," said Rukmini, 26, from the South Jakarta chapter.
Among the guests who attended the gathering yesterday were National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. IK Ratta, a number of senior police and military officers as well as several executives of youth organizations, including Yorrys Raweyai from Pemuda Pancasila.
Most of the participants of the gathering were those from the youth organizations. (bsr)