New military chief sets tough antidrug agenda

Soldiers involved in drugs to be punished: Ryamizard

JAKARTA (JP): Newly installed Jakarta Military commander Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu vowed on Friday to take stern measures against any of his officers found guilty of trafficking and drug use.

"We'll take firm action against them. Officers proven to be drug traffickers will be dismissed, while drug users will have their promotion put on hold for up to two years," Ryamizard said after his inauguration ceremony.

Ryamizard said that in an effort to stop city military personnel involvement in drugs, he would set a special agenda for implementing strict punishment for drug infractions.

Ryamizard, 48, said that he would soon discuss the plan with his staff.

"We will handle this matter in accordance with the existing laws," he added.

A number of military personnel have reportedly been arrested for drug involvement in the past few years, but almost none of them have been brought to court.

Ryamizard also promised to continue his predecessor's steps in safeguarding Jakarta's security and in enhancing military officers' professionalism.

The former East Java military commander replaced Maj. Gen. Djadja Suparman, who has been promoted as chief of the Army's Strategic Reserves Command. The handover ceremony was led on Friday by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo.

In his speech, Subagyo praised Ryamizard saying that the latter had a good reputation from his previous post. He said he believed that Ryamizard would also succeed in his new post.

"Although the dynamics of the challenge in Jakarta is different from East Java, I believe that based on his vast experience he can make it here," Subagyo said.

Two former military command chiefs attended the ceremony, namely Coordinating Minister of Politics and Security Gen. Wiranto and Governor Sutiyoso.

Ryamizard's father-in-law, former vice president Try Sutrisno, was not at the ceremony. Try was also a former Jakarta military commander. (01)