Peaceful PDI celebration assured

JAKARTA (JP): City military commander Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu vowed on Tuesday that his command was ready to prevent any efforts to disrupt security in the city in connection with the 27th anniversary of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) here on Thursday.

"We have coordinated with the city police to prevent any provocation to create unrest in the city during the celebration," he told reporters after a post-Idul Fitri gathering at the city military headquarters in East Jakarta.

He said his command had found certain provocative pamphlets distributed in several parts of the city.

He called on people to help maintain security in their areas.

"We can not keep security and order in society without the people's assistance."

He said the command was not worried about possible riots because the celebration was not intended to achieve a political aim.

"In previous years, they might have organized the event to achieve a political goal. But now Megawati has become vice president, we are not worried. They will not create a riot," he said.

Some 200,000 people are expected to attend the celebration at Senayan stadium. (asa)