Police and military in a show of force

JAKARTA (JP): More than 5,600 armed military and police personnel, two police helicopters, numerous armored vehicles, water canon and hundreds of motorcycles were deployed on Tuesday as part of a dress rehearsal for protecting the upcoming special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

Witnessed by the Assembly leaders in the MPR compound, the security personnel, drawn from the Jakarta Police and Jakarta Military Command, demonstrated their skills in maintaining security inside the buildings and around the compound.

The helicopters demonstrated how to evacuate the participants from the special session to a safe location in a worst case scenario.

National Police deputy chief for operational affairs Insp. Gen. Syachroeddin Alam said that most of the personnel would be deployed inside the House building, especially inside and around the hall where the session would be held, and in crucial locations around the House compound.

"This exercise is essential to hone the men's skills in tackling disturbances and violent demonstrations," Syachroeddin said.

"They have been instructed to deal firmly with rioters," he added.

Jakarta Military chief Maj. Gen. Bibit Waluyo pledged to fully support the police in maintaining security and order before and during the special session.

Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Yacob said that with the backup from the military and the city administration, the police would strengthen the security system around the legislative compound and business centers in the city.

A multilayer security system would be applied in the House grounds and at several locations outside the legislative compound, including the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, Semanggi cloverleaf and Slipi flyover.

"Leaders of the Assembly and all the participants in the special session will be evacuated to safe locations if it becomes impossible to hold the special session in the legislative compound," he said.

City Governor Sutiyoso, meanwhile, said that he had many alternative buildings available for the special session if the worst came to the worst, including the City Council building.

Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Amien Rais called on certain groups in society not to come near the legislative compound during the special session.

"Rioters should not come near the legislative compound during the special session because they will be confronted by armed members of the security forces," Amien warned.

However, he also noted that it would be excessive if each legislator had to be escorted by two or three security guards during the session.

According to him, it would be better for the participants to travel alone to the special session to allow the members of the security forces to concentrate on their principal duties.

Meanwhile, Muhaimin Iskandar, secretary-general of the National Awakening Party (PKB), a supporter of embattled President Abdurrahman Wahid, criticized the dry run as a show of force, saying the security precautions were excessive, as if the nation were facing imminent attack by a formidable foe.

"Of the utmost importance is that the authorities assign security personnel in rational and plausible numbers in anticipation of violence during the special session," he said.(rms/jun)