Military renews allegiance to government

BOGOR, West Java (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu asserted on Wednesday the Indonesian Military's (TNI) loyalty to President Abdurrahman Wahid, but admitted it was not the same case with his predecessor.

Speaking to reporters after a function at a military training field in Ciampea near here, Ryamizard said, TNI, in particular troops under his command, was not a potential force that could wage a coup attempt at present since all its units remained solid and cohesive.

"We are 99 percent solid. The remaining one percent is up to God. We stay loyal to our supreme commander President Abdurrahman Wahid," he said.

He said TNI could have toppled the government of former president B.J. Habibie over the East Timor issue.

"We were able to stage a coup at that time out of our deep sorrow that the president wanted to let go of East Timor at the expense of our sacrifice to keep the territory as part of Indonesia for years," he said.

Rumors of a military putsch prevailed following Habibie's decision to approve a self-determination ballot in East Timor. The Aug. 30 referendum revealed an overwhelming rejection to Indonesia's wide-ranging autonomy offer.

Then TNI chief Gen. Wiranto denied the speculation.

Ryamizard, the son-in-law of former vice president Try Sutrisno, said those attempting a coup would have to beat his troops.

"It is impossible to attempt a coup in Medan, North Sumatra, or in Papua. It must take place in the city. Then, they have to ask for my support, or otherwise fight me," he said as quoted by Antara.

He quickly added: "But until now there are no parties approaching me to carry out the coup plan."

Rumors of a military coup heated up last week with U.S. senior diplomat Richard Holbrooke sending a warning to TNI not to topple Abdurrahman's government. Abdurrahman played down the warning.

More civilian figures expressed their disbelief over rumors of a military coup, calling them groundless.

"Do not listen to diplomats, generals or whoever from foreign countries (about the rumor)," People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He said as a sovereign country, the nation should be independent and cautious in interpreting foreign statements.

Amien called on the public to stop condemning the military, but to give it a chance to consolidate instead. "In the New Order era, they (TNI) were a tool of the power holder. With drastic changes taking place now, we had better stop condemning them," he said.

Separately, House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung said any coup attempted by TNI would not receive popular support.

"That's why TNI will not try to wage a coup," Akbar said after meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Stanley Roth.

In Yogyakarta, political analyst Cornelis Lay said there was no other political power strong enough to shake the government of President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

"There is political friction among Cabinet ministers, but it won't be able to oust the two figures because they have very strong grassroots support from more than half of Indonesia's population," he said. (44/asa/jun)