New Jakarta military chief vows to maintain security

JAKARTA (JP): Newly installed Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djadja Suparman said yesterday he would maintain security in the capital so people from all walks of life could continue with their daily activities.

Speaking to reporters at the command's headquarters here after the installment ceremony, Djadja said he would cooperate with the police and the public to make the city safe.

Djadja, former chief of the Brawijaya Military Command overseeing security in East Java, said he would outline his security approach in greater detail at a later date.

"As ordered by the Army's chief of staff, I will continue on the same path as Pak Sjafrie (his predecessor) and I will also create a conducive and harmonious environment so that all people can proceed with their daily activities," he said.

Djadja, 49, was installed yesterday by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo. He replaces Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

Sjafrie has been appointed assistant for territorial affairs to the Armed Forces (ABRI) chief of general affairs.

In his address, Subagyo urged the command's personnel to look out for early signs of possible unrest in Jakarta to prevent developments that could threaten national unity and stability.

He called on the soldiers to work hand-in-hand with all people, regardless of their social and cultural background.

"The riots, destruction, looting and arson in Jakarta and other regions in mid-May are still fresh in our minds. We all realize now that the tragedy could degrade Indonesia's positive image in the international community and damage our political and economic growth," he said.

"Stability in the capital (is vital), with all its dimensions and implications as a barometer to the life of all Indonesians."

Subagyo also pointed out that Djadja's posting was "normal", noting that rotations in the military enabled its personnel to enrich their experience, broaden their perspective and improve their professionalism.

Attendees

Also present at the ceremony were former Jakarta military commanders Lt. Gen. A.M. Hendropriyono, now minister of transmigration and resettlement of forest squatters, and Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso, now Jakarta governor, along with other top brass, such as commandant general of the Army's special force Maj. Gen. Syahrir MS and National Military Police Commander Maj. Gen. Syamsu Djalal.

Religious figures and businesspeople, mostly Chinese- Indonesians, were also in the crowd of attendees.

After the ceremony, dozens of people lined up to greet Sjafrie and Djadja as they made their way to the headquarter's reception room.

Some Moslem guests, wearing white caps and sarongs with a wrap over their shoulders, struggled among the crowd to congratulate Sjafrie, greeting him with cheek-to-cheek kisses.

Sjafrie reacted with broad smiles and looked touched as he received the warm greetings.

"Thank you," was all he could say while shaking his guests' hands.

When asked to comment on his successor, Sjafrie expressed his hope that Djadja, a father of one (not two as reported earlier), could perform his duties better than him.

"He's the right man. He has vision and I think he would also be accepted by all people.

"I hope he can continue the programs... and develop the city effectively," Sjafrie told reporters. (ivy)