Preachers not to be screened

Preachers not to be screened

JAKARTA (JP): The City Military Commander Maj. Gen. Wiranto
said yesterday that his office will not screen preachers who are
scheduled to deliver sermons during Idul Fitri prayers on Feb. 20.

"There is no need to screen preachers, because I believe they
are people who are endowed with an ability to tell their
congregations good things," the general said.

And he expressed the hope that preachers will not deliver
messages that might incite people to do "unexpected things".

Wiranto also said that he is deploying his troops in the city
during the fasting month of Ramadhan and Idul Fitri to support
the city police .

"My troops are being posted in places such as terminals,
railway stations and markets because many people gather in those
places," he said.

In such crowded locations Wiranto believes pickpockets and
robbers are operating and the troops will be there to keep a
close watch on the criminals.

He refused to publicize the number of troops that will be
deployed during the Idul Fitri holidays, but said that a total of
25,000 civilian officials are also being deployed to help the
police secure the city. (yns)