New military district chiefs

JAKARTA (JP): Lt. Col. Ibrahim Saleh and Lt. Col. Budi Rachmat were installed on Saturday as the new commanders of South and East Jakarta military districts respectively, replacing Lt. Col. Sadiyo P. and Lt. Col. Iskandar Zulkarnain.

The installation ceremony was led by Jakarta Military Command Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Sudi Silalahi at the command's headquarters.

Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said in his written address read by Silalahi at the ceremony that both South and East Jakarta constituted parts of the most strategic areas in the city.

"The two areas are home to residential complexes of ministers, ambassadors, high-ranking officials and expatriates, and various vital buildings ranging from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport to Taman Mini and several universities," Sjafrie said.

He urged the new commanders to fully strive to safeguard the two areas as any disturbances there could have both national and international consequences. (hhr)