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)