Military warns protesters against toppling govt
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.