Noegroho prepares for long haul

Noegroho prepares for long haul

By Edith Hartanto

JAKARTA (JP): As security is stepped up for the People's
Consultative Assembly's Special Session which begins Tuesday,
there is already controversy over whether preparations have gone
too far.

Police and Assembly officials have denied installing an
electrified barb wire fence on the Assembly grounds in Central
Jakarta, while the deployment of civilian volunteers dressed in
military-like uniforms has also drawn criticism.

The involvement of some 30,000 Armed Forces personnel and
police and some 125,000 civilians to secure the four-day session
from Nov. 10 through Nov. 13 is seen as necessary to anticipate
large demonstrations.

This is the first operation of national significance under the
National Police Force which will be separated from the Armed
Forces. Meet the man entrusted to the task, Jakarta Police chief
Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman,, 51, who is also chief of the
Jakarta Operational Command in charge of security in the city.

He was Central Java Police chief for 14 months before being
put in charge of the capital's police on May 28, following the
shooting of four Trisakti University students, the ensuing riots
and Soeharto's downfall. Born in Purwokerto, Central Java,
Noegroho was previously East Timor police chief. Prior to that he
was South Jakarta Police chief.

Noegroho is rising to the challenge of people's demands for
the avoidance of bloodshed and hopes to keep the event peaceful.

The Trisakti shootings are still fresh in people's minds.

Police received most of the blame leveled at the Armed Forces'
violation of human rights. Since the Trisakti shootings, police
have been seen carrying video cameras when securing
demonstrations, reportedly in case they need to prove none of
their own carry nonstandard police weapons in scuffles with
protesters.

Noegroho was interviewed by The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
Following are excerpts from the interview.

Question: How would you describe the current condition given
the many groups with diverse views about the upcoming session?

Answer: For me the groupings are clear: those who support the
session and those who are against it. The latter are prone to
create trouble. If the different groups run into each other a
clash will be unavoidable. We have to prevent such
confrontations.

Can you elaborate on the groups and what you have done to
avoid possible unrest?

You can identify them if you closely watch developments. I've
tried to approach and warn the potential groups involved ... This
is for the sake of the nation. If chaos occurs, people could be
sacrificed again. I've told them that people have had enough
suffering. Do not add their burden. I therefore urge them here to
restrain themselves.

We will be persuasive and preventive ...

What about the groups such as the National Front (comprising
retired generals critical of the government) or others? Can they
be considered threats to security?

I don't know much about such groups. But they could be a
potential threat ... depending on their ideological leaning.

What does the Special Session mean to you?

It is part of (steps to) the next general election. It will
lead to democratization and the most important thing is for the
nation to meet its commitment in seeing through its agenda for
reform.

There is still a long way to go ... So it would be a shame if
certain parties threatened each other (and) put on a show of
force. What for? Where would it lead this country?

What about the security forces' position now? During the New
Order era the police and military were considered part of the
political structure.

We are instruments of the state, not the authority's tool. Our
priority is to safeguard the people, so there will be no
"engineering" of security forces during the session. No security
officers here are being used as political vehicles. We are in the
middle, trying to secure (the safety of diverse protesters) but
without neglecting the existing rules, so we won't be dragged
into anything. I have to keep racking my brains to think of a way
to avoid conflicts between security forces and the masses, and
also among different interest groups.

Are the security forces unified?

Now the other military forces (deployed to secure the city)
are under the police's control and they have been able to adjust
to the (city security) system (under the Jakarta Operational
Command) quickly. We are solid.

I appeal for people to be more considerate of security
personnel when they carry out their duties. Treat them as
humans ... because they have been busting their bones, risking
their lives and get nothing in return except the pride of serving
and protecting people.

What about suggestions that the MPR move the session to a
hotel if the situation warrants such a measure?

We're not thinking of such an idea yet. It would be a shame if
we couldn't hold the session in the Assembly building, which is
the symbol of the nation's sovereignty ... I will try my best to
defend the Assembly building.

If you fail?

Well, I just have to trust my police instincts then (smiling).
I believe we can pull through.

What about demonstrations during the session?

People can stage demonstrations as long as they abide by Law
No. 9/1998. The limits (the banning of demonstrations within a
500-meter radius of vital landmarks) are clear: the Manggala
Wanabhakti building, Taman Ria Senayan amusement park, the road
along the state-owned TVRI up to near Hotel Mulia Senayan (sites
defined as near to MPR).

Protesters might be allocated the Senayan Eastern Parking
Lot ... hopefully we can avoid violence by identifying differing
groups and prevent confrontations. Let the session be cheerful
and peaceful. People's enthusiasm may not last long, but we
cannot just ignore it as it may lead to anarchy. We have no
choice but to safeguard the community.

What about the front gate of the MPR (knocked down in an
earlier demonstration) and what about the special security
devices such as electrified fences or surveillance cameras?

We are planning to open the front gate on Friday (Nov. 6).
We'll do it based on security measures. Let's not go into too
much detail. Electrified gate? We won't go that far ... ha ha ha.

Don't you think it's dangerous to deploy "uniformed" civilians
as they themselves could initiate riots?

We have to admit that we're facing a shortage of personnel.
The civilians' role is to help maintain peace. The main objective
is to raise their awareness of securing their neighborhoods from
possible disturbances. The main forces are the security forces. I
have specifically ordered the men on the field against overacting
or being arrogant, to avoid unnecessary disputes. Let's create a
win-win situation here.

What do you predict?

Well .. it's up to God Almighty. I hope for the best ... The
last thing I want is for a "third party" to take advantage of the
situation.

What about the possibility of masses coming to Jakarta as a
way of "taking part" in the session?

I could say, do not struggle only to get a piece of cake. Too
much interference will only create chaos. As for facing a
possible flood of people into the capital, we're ready. And
remember, we're not announcing any stages of alert. I urge people
from all walks of life to continue with their regular routines.
But one thing is for sure, there will certainly be some long days
and long nights ahead for me.