Kamra demands extension of their service

Kamra demands extension of their service

JAKARTA (JP): Accompanied by Yogyakarta's monarch Sultan
Hamengkubuwono X, 11 representatives of the People's Security
(Kamra) converged at the House of Representatives to demand an
extension of their service on Wednesday.

In a hearing with the House Deputy Speaker Soetardjo
Soerjogoeritno, Kamra chairman Rubiyanto said the paramilitary
members wanted the government to absorb them into the Indonesian
Military (TNI), police force or civil service.

"The demand is reasonable since we have experience in security
matters. We are now worried after learning that we are to be
disbanded," Rubiyanto remarked.

Hamengkubuwono, who is also Yogyakarta's governor, said the
demand was the result of a national meeting of Kamra members in
Yogyakarta recently. The meeting was held as the government had
decided not to extend their working contract which will expire at
the end this year.

"I just helped them deliver their demands through the right
channel," he remarked, hoping that the House would convey their
demands to the government.

Soetardjo promised to discuss the demand with the Minister of
Defense Mohammad Mahfud M.D., National Police chief Gen. S.
Bimantoro and Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy
Soerjadi Soedirdja.

"Actually, we have sent a letter to the minister of defense
about Kamra but we have not received the reply yet," Soetardjo, a
senior legislator of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
(PDI Perjuangan), said.

Deputy chairman of the House Commission I for political,
security and foreign affairs Ferry Tinggogoy promised to discuss
Kamra's demand during a meeting with the government officials on
Tuesday.

"Believe us, we will be on Kamra's side when discussing it,"
Ferry, a legislator of the TNI faction, remarked.

Kamra whose members amount to thousands, most of them
previously unemployed, was established early last year to help
police maintain order during the general elections. (jun/rms)