Noegroho squashes rumors about new riots

JAKARTA (JP): City police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman dismissed yesterday swirling rumors of renewed riots in the capital on Aug. 17, but said all Jakartans were responsible in the fight against crime.

"They're untrue. These kind of rumors will only create discomfort and insecurity among people.

I suggest that people go on with their routines as usual," Noegroho told The Jakarta Post before leading a joint meeting on the security system for the Aug. 17 celebration marking the country's 53rd independence anniversary.

"I heard there were also rumors of riots in other big cities (on the same day) with some places marked with signs (distinguishing them for looting and burning). But I found no such occurrences in Jakarta," added the two-star general.

People, he said, were susceptible to ploys of rumormongers.

"They easily get scared and feel insecure. This kind of feeling must be eradicated."

But Noegroho urged all city residents to participate in tightening security in their residential complexes and business areas as part of a joint preventive measure against security disturbances.

"We all want Jakarta to be safe, don't we?," he said.

Trust

Police, he said, would also do their best to anticipate any possible unrest in an attempt to regain the people's trust.

"We'll do the best as it (Aug. 17) is our national day."

Securing neighborhoods from crime was the responsibility of all Jakartans, he said.

"People have to be alert and empower themselves while we, the security officers, will strongly support the drive."

Noegroho said neighborhood patrols should be a rallying cause for all residents, "not just a symbolic slogan".

"It must be on the grounds that all people realize the current situation and are willing to spare their time, energy and effort to help maintain security, at least at their own home."

United front

Noegroho advised residents to form a united front in opposing any threats to security in their areas because security personnel would be stretched thin in the event of any disturbance.

"People have to realize one thing here. Security officers cannot possibly watch every single resident and protect them every single second. We have limitations.

"So people have to build their own defense. A neighborhood security program in coordination with security officers in the area is a great option to prevent possibility of crime or disturbances."

Attending the security meeting were Jakarta Military Command Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Sudi Silalahi, Jakarta Military Police Commander Col. Hendardji and all Jakarta police and military district chiefs.

Noegroho also urged people to mark Independence Day in a modest manner.

"No need to make big celebrations during this economic crisis. Better have a simple, small but meaningful day. If not essential, do not hold events that would only attract crowds."

Separately yesterday, the city administration announced that officials or local community leaders were not permitted to collect money from residents for the Aug. 17 celebration.

Deputy Governor for Social Welfare Affairs Djailani told media that collections would exacerbate burdens of the people, already suffering in the monetary crisis.

"But we don't forbid it if the people themselves want to collect money among themselves to, for example, build colorful decorated gateways or stage music performances in their neighborhood to enliven the national day as usual.

"We still hope that people will celebrate the Independence Day merrily like in previous years," he said.

As is common in many communities nationwide, Jakartans have traditionally marked Independence Day with games, such as climbing greased tree trunks to reach prizes on top and tug-of- war contests.

Prizes are usually purchased through collections among local residents.

In a letter dated July 30, Djailani, who also heads the committee for the commemoration of the city's 471st anniversary celebration and the country's 53rd Independence Day, urged all city offices and residents to fly the national flag for five days, starting Aug. 14, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.. (edt/ind)