Military raises old ghosts again

JAKARTA: The Indonesia Military (TNI) has made plans to deal with any attempts to disrupt the 2004 elections, its commander says.

TNI chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto told reporters on Tuesday that the military has drafted plans to help the police in dealing with security disturbances during the elections.

"We always prepare for the worst although it might not happen. The most important thing is that we are ready to help restore order and security. If the elections descend into bloodshed, we hope we will be able to keep the bloodshed to a minimum," he said.

During the Army's anniversary bash on Monday, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu said that the military would step in should the police be unable to deal with disturbances during the elections.

He rejected suggestions, however, that the military was planning to stage a coup d'etat during the elections.

More than 12,000 troops attended the anniversary ceremony, which was held in Kemayoran in Central Jakarta. -- JP