May riots bring riches to military officers

JAKARTA (JP): In one man's misery lies another's good fortune sums up the windfall for military members following the May riots. In the climate of fear still prevailing in the city, many soldiers were paid handsomely for a few days' work of guarding a private home.

In calmer times, the guarding of a residential area was entrusted to the civilian security unit personnel, or satpam, usually positioned at the entrance or exit of the area. Many residents also hired their own household guards.

The May riots brought home with a thud the inability of a small band of guards to do much against mobs bent on looting and vandalism. Many residents now want security beefed up, including guards with safety equipment like firearms, tear gas and armored vehicles, to act as a deterrent against rampaging mobs.

Military members fit the bill. Susy, not her real name, who sells auto accessories and lives in an elite housing complex in North Jakarta, said her neighborhood was plundered during the unrest even though most of the houses were guarded by private security guards.

A few days after the riots the residents demanded from the complex's management a guarantee of the safety of their property. After several tough discussions, an agreement was reached to increase the number of guard checkpoints, construct barricades at all the access points and request the aid of about 30 military personnel.

Susy, a mother of one, said the presence of the military made her feel more secure when she stayed home alone. The soldiers are accommodated in empty houses and shop-houses, and each household contributes Rp 500,000 a month for their services.

The military is on a 24-hour vigil and occasionally patrols the complex, especially the border area between the residential complex and the outside neighborhood. The soldiers and residents are on familiar terms, with the latter sometimes giving food or tips. "Yes, it keeps their spirits high to maintain security here," Susy said with a smile.

Alex, not his real name, also pays for military protection but he escaped Susy's harrowing experience. Alex, a private bank manager living in an elite housing complex in North Jakarta, said the residents heard rumors of the riots a few days before they happened. Each home contributed Rp 25,000 per week to have military personnel in the area, complete with armored vehicles to guard the entrance of the large housing complex the size of an independent town.

The complex was spared during the riots.

Alex said he did not know the exact cost of the military services because it was handled by the complex management.

Alex said he felt safe staying at home during the critical period. He heard from many friends living in other residential complexes that they did not want to remain in their homes and there were some who even fled abroad due to fears of a mass attack. He believed the military personnel guarding his area had a big role in maintaining the safety in the area. They guarded each entrance and exit, and diligently patrolled the complex.

Agus, not his real name, an ethnic Chinese timber trader, also sought the help of the military. He lives in South Jakarta and knew an officer from one of the Armed Forces. He asked his friend to send one of his men to guard his house.

His friend dispatched a young sergeant who stayed in the house for two weeks. However, the sergeant did not stay the whole day because he was on duty during the morning. He arrived at 2 p.m. and stayed until morning.

Agus handed over Rp 7 million to his friend and the sergeant. But he felt the expense was worth his peace of mind. He did not have to worry about his personal safety or that of his family during the critical times.

Sgt. Ridwan, not his real name, agreed the riots had indeed brought luck to some members of the military. He said that the day after the riots his superior told him to stand guard at his friend's house.

Ridwan received millions of rupiah to stay round the clock for four days. His superior's friend, a businessman who lives in an elite residential area, was "generous" as he also provided free meals and drinks and allotted a daily bonus of thousands of rupiah.

Of course, he had no difficulty in getting four days' leave because his superior had assigned him to outside duty. Ridwan, whose is based in South Jakarta, said he was not the only one of his colleagues to profit from the riot fallout.

One of Ridwan's friends guarded a banker's house for one month and was compensated so well that he bought a car. As for the leave from his unit, it could be arranged with the superior, according to Ridwan. The well-built bachelor said his side job did not endanger his military career because it all was in the line of duty according to his superior's assignment.

Amir, not his real name, whose headquarters are in East Jakarta, admitted he was asked repeatedly to guard a residential complex after the riots.

According to the officer, he and his men were requested by several "community members" to patrol an area home to a number of luxurious houses. They complied, but he did not wear a uniform for fear he would be spotted moonlighting.

"I cannot wear my uniform because there is an authority in the area," he said.

-- The article is a translation of a piece from the September edition of Tiara monthly. It is printed here courtesy of Tiara.