Police likely to block Jakarta if necessary

JAKARTA (JP): Insp. Gen. Nurfaizi, the city police chief, said on Wednesday that his personnel might close the capital to outsiders, particularly those bent on causing disruption in Jakarta, during next month's Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly.

"That's our contingency plan. We'll put it into effect (only) if the people from outside Jakarta have already been proven to be making trouble here," Nurfaizi told reporters, admitting that the authorities, including the police, have no right to prevent people entering the city under normal circumstances.

Therefore, he suggested that several organizations cancel their plans to bring large numbers of their supporters to the capital during the Assembly's session from Aug. 7 - 18.

"The city police will employ various alternatives, including sealing off the city, to prevent their coming to Jakarta," Nurfaizi added.

He insisted that his personnel would not hesitate this time in taking stiff measures against any people caught red-handedly attempting to instigate disturbances.

"But if they are found trying to do negative things, which could disturb life in the city, the Jakarta Police will take stern measures.

We will also halt buses or trains from entering Jakarta," Nurfaizi said.

The two-star general refused to disclose the possible spots where the police would set up roadblocks.

"That is still a secret," he said.

Nurfaizi also said the police would firstly employ a persuasive approach towards the groups, which have planned to swamp Jakarta's major streets with their followers during the session.

"For instance, will embrace and include them by forming crisis centers in which all groups will have their own representatives so as to maintain security in the capital," he said.

The scheme has been planned as the police will not be able to secure the capital alone without the help of the public.

"The city police and the leaders of the groups will work together at the centers to maintain security and order in the capital during the session," Nurfaizi said.

He also urged the some 10 million residents of Jakarta not to be "used" by political leaders, who wanted to mobilize the public for the sake of their own interests.

"There is no need to take part in the mass mobilization. City residents should uphold security in their neighborhoods themselves," he said.

Nurfaizi said city residents must give voice to their aspirations through proper channels and avoid triggering riots.

"The people can lodge their complaints with the House of Representatives or the City Council," he said.

He added that the city police would also concentrate on safeguarding certain vital facilities in the city during the session.

"These include the Assembly building, Presidential Palace, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, and the hotels where the legislators are staying during the session," Nurfaizi explained.

The police, he added, will also safeguard public facilities that are susceptible to sabotage, such as water and State Electricity Company (PLN) installations

Chief of the National Police Gen. Rusdihardjo said on Tuesday that the police force would deploy 28,270 personnel to secure the session in Jakarta.

Political tension has escalated since rumors started circulating that political figures planned to topple President Abdurrahman Wahid at the Annual Session, turning it into a Special Session.

These rumors have triggered an angry response from the President's supporters, including the powerful Nadhlatul Ulama Muslim organization, which was once chaired by Abdurrahman.

Some leaders of the organization recently threatened to send the NU's multi-purpose force (Banser) to Jakarta to confront any groups attempting to mobilize the people and asking the Assembly to seek Abdurrahman's resignation. (asa)