New Jakarta military chief vows to maintain security
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)