Parties told to field own security forces
Parties told to field own security forces
JAKARTA (JP): All political parties contesting the June 7
general election will be required to deploy their own security
forces to safeguard supporters during street campaigns, a
military official said.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Jakarta Military Commander
Maj. Gen. Djadja Suparman said the intent of the decision was to
secure the capital during the campaign period, which usually
draws millions of people into the streets to take part in
political rallies.
"We believe that the general election must run smoothly and
safely. The public, including all contestants, must join us in
securing this event," he said after leading a ceremony marking
the closing of the Armed Forces 60th rural activities program
here.
"Involving the general public is important. Each party must
have its own security task force," Djadja said.
The organizing committee for the June election has not yet
established rules to govern the campaign period.
Experiences gleaned from previous elections, which were only
contested by three parties, have led many Jakartans to suggest
that the government ban street campaigns because they can only
make the already tense situation worse.
Most Jakartans would prefer a campaign of speeches and debates
carried out over the television and radio.
Violence between party supporters or between party members and
security personnel has been an unfortunate part of previous
election campaigns, especially during the street convoys which
involve thousands of people parading around the capital in
trucks, buses, cars and motorcycles.
So far, over 100 political parties have registered to
participate in the June election, although only a few of these
parties have met the requirements to contest the poll.
According to Djadja, all political parties have been urged to
avoid mobilizing supporters in an effort to maintain security in
Jakarta during the campaign.
According to available data, the political parties which have
established task forces include the United Development Party,
Golkar, the Indonesian Democratic Party, the Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle and the National Awakening Party.
Minister of Defense/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto said
last Friday that the Armed Forces would not tolerate any attempts
to foil or disturb the upcoming elections.
The general said the Armed Forces would take all necessary
measures to ensure free, just and fair elections because their
success was vital to the nation's recovery.
Djadja reiterated that security personnel would not hesitate
to take stern actions against any anarchic demonstrators during
the election campaign.
"The shoot-on-sight order has not been revoked," he stated.
(ivy)