Military warns protesters against toppling govt

The Jakarta Post, Karawang, West Java

The Indonesian Military (TNI) on Monday said it was the right of citizens to protest over recent price hikes but warned against hidden agendas, including toppling the government by calling for the establishment of a presidium to rule in the place of the president.

"It's people's right to voice their aspirations (through street rallies) but protesters should not commit 'unconstitutional acts' to get their message across." TNI Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto told reporters after briefing Army officers from across the country who gathered here for a two-day meeting.

Endriartono also urged proponents of a national presidium to replace President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz not to continue with their plan.

Last Saturday the Bung Karno Nationalist Party (PNBK) chairman Eros Djarot said various elements in society, including student organizations, non-governmental organizations, legislators and individuals agreed in a meeting to set up the presidium.

Pak Amien has acknowledged the existence of such groups, including a presidium. I urge them not to continue (with their activities)," Endriartono warned.

He was referring to People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais, who is among those who staunchly oppose the government's decision to increase fuel prices and utility charges.

Meanwhile Army Chief Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu said that people's grievances over recent price hikes were genuine and should therefore be heeded.

"Students' aspirations must be heeded because they are genuine and have no vested interests. Students, like soldiers, want nothing but security," Ryamizard told reporters after opening a two-day meeting of Army unit officers and commanders from across the country.

The meeting was attended by 566 officers, including regional military commanders and battalion commanders.

Ryamizard reminded the officers that the TNI was a state apparatus and the people's army, and must therefore avoid taking sides.

"We cannot take sides. We are concerned (with the current situation), but people need to be taken care of," he said, adding that he had ordered troops to help people hardest hit by the price hikes.

Ryamizard declined to comment on allegations that there were efforts to topple the government, saying he could not comment on intelligence findings.

He was responding to a question regarding a statement by Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono last week that there were groups aiming to overthrow the government.

Ryamizard denied the officers' meeting was prompted by the latest developments in the country, saying it was previously scheduled.

"Especially in this unfavorable situation, they (unit commanders) must pay close attention to this situation. If, for example, they normally go to bed at 11 p.m., now they have to stay up later to monitor the situation," he said.