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.