Military makes a show of force

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) held a sudden show of force right in front of the presidential palace on Sunday evening, to express unity among soldiers ahead of critical times to come at the ongoing People's Consultative Assembly Special Session.

At the order of TNI Commander Adm. Widodo A.S., some 2000 soldiers from the Indonesian Army, Navy and Airforce gathered at the National Monument, along with their heavy equipment, in a ceremony to display the unity of the troops. Thirty five amphibious tanks and 25 armored cars were also paraded, attracting a large crowd of families that spent the evening at the park.

Army Strategic Reserves Commander Lt.Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu, who led the ceremony, called on TNI soldiers to stick together and avoid all attempts to divide the armed forces for specific political interests.

"We should not let conflict among us soldiers emerge as it happened in 1998, ahead the downfall of the dictator, former president Soeharto," Ryamizard told the soldiers from his armored vehicle.

He further denied that the ceremony carried any political significance designed to put pressure on beleaguered President Abdurrahman Wahid.

"This is just an ordinary ceremony ... to provide security for the people. Three chiefs of staff, the TNI Chief and the President approved the gathering," Ryamizard said after a 10- minute ceremony.

Army Special Forces Commander Maj.Gen.Amirul Isnaini, Jakarta Military Commander Maj.Gen. Bibit Waluyo, Marine Corps Chief Rear Adm. Harry Trijono, Western Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Soemardjono, Air Force Commander Chief Rear Air Marshall Soetrisno, Air Force Special Unit Commander Rear Air Marshall Jeky Ambadar and Presidential Guard Deputy Commander First Marshall Nono Sangkono, were observed among the participants. (tso/dja)