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)