Police told not to use guns at 'Kenduri Nasional'

JAKARTA (JP): About 5,500 security personnel, from the city police, military and related agencies, have been ordered not to use bullets in safeguarding the Kenduri Nasional grand party at the National Monument (Monas) park on Saturday.

"You're forbidden to fire," vice chairman of the Coordinating Body for National Stability's city chapter, Maj. Gen. Dibyo Widodo, instructed in his speech at the preparation of the mobilization of the joint task force, at the park in Central Jakarta yesterday afternoon.

"Shooting is only allowed under the instruction of the chairman of coordinating body," Dibyo, who is also the city police chief, said.

The coordinating body is chaired by Maj. Gen. Wiranto, the city military commander.

The Kenduri Nasional grand festival is one of over 30 large- scale events being held in the city to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Indonesia's independence.

President Soeharto and First Lady Tien Soeharto, along with Vice President Try Sutrisno and Mrs. Try Sutrisno, as well as a number of cabinet ministers are scheduled to attend the grand fiesta.

In his speech, read by deputy to the city police chief, Brig. Gen. Hamami Nata, Dibyo ordered the security force, mostly made up of police personnel, to take stern measures against those trying to disrupt the festival, which is estimated to be attended by about 300,000 people.

"It's not all together impossible that there will be certain parties intent on causing mischief at the event," Dibyo said.

"Take stern action, without using guns or violence, against those who try and create any type of turbulence," the two-star general instructed.

He also ordered the force not to be easily provoked, or side with a certain party in handling any upsets.

The force will be dominated by city police elite units, such as the mobile brigade, accompanied by personnel from the city military command, security and order office and fire brigade.

Other police units include the K-9, horse squad and anti-riot units.

After inspecting the preparation of the whole security personnel, Hamami suggested that city criminals keep away from the Monas square during the party.

"They can join the party but not disturb it," he reiterated.

Spectators are reminded not to bring any alcoholic beverages, or weapons to the festival.

"This is a people's party, so we'll be very unhappy if the people themselves disrupt it," Hamami said.

According to the schedule, the grand festivity, to start at 5:30 p.m., will include prayer services, a feast, a mega parade of cultural performances, representing all of the country's 27 provinces, a spectacular fireworks display and traditional stage performances.

Head of the city traffic police, Col Soeroso, asked yesterday for private cars heading toward and passing through Monas to use other the alternative routes available, beginning at 1 p.m., that day.

"Because thousands of participants, coming from all parts of the city, will flock to the area beginning at 2 p.m." he told reporters.

Therefore, Soeroso said, people who intended to see the event are urged to use public transportation vehicles, which will stop at certain points near Monas.

Private cars heading from the south to north will be asked to take the left turn in front of the Hotel Indonesia, or make a U- turn to go through Jl. Imam Bonjol, Soeroso said.

Those heading in from the opposite way, from Jl. Hayam Wuruk to the south, will be asked to take the left turn on Jl. Sukarjo Wiryopranoto, he added.

"Public vehicles will be allowed to come closer in order to be able to drop their passengers near the Monas area," he said.

For instance, public vehicles from the south will be allowed to pass through Jl. Thamrin and turn left on Jl. Kebon Sirih, he said.

"So, those who want to go to the Kenduri will have take a walk to Monas," Soeroso said.

During the fiesta, costing Rp 975 million (US$431,415), all streets surrounding Monas will be covered with mats, on which various types of Indonesian food will be presented.

After the meal and prayers, the committee will present a parade of cultural performances with 27 floats, representing the 27 provinces.

A 30 minute fireworks display, an exciting presentation arranged jointly by the French embassy and the City Municipality office, will start at 8:30 p.m., with four police helicopters opening the display by flying over the monument and, at certain points, releasing fireworks.

The 30-minute-long fireworks display, named Burning the sky of Jakarta, will use 4,000 fireworks, weighing about 13 tons.

The show will then be followed by a night-long cultural show. (bsr)