President full of praise for Kostrad

President full of praise for Kostrad

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid accompanied Army
Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) Commander Lt. Gen. Agus
Wirahadikusumah on a ride on an armed vehicle during an
inspection at the green berets' headquarters in Cilodong, West
Java.

During Thursday afternoon's visit, the President acknowledged
that the state had not given Kostrad due attention despite its
contribution to the country.

Abdurrahman expressed his concern over the state of the
military unit's defenses.

"What the state has given for Kostrad is so small, while the
unit's contribution to the country has been very significant,"
Abdurrahman was quoted by Antara as saying in front of Kostrad
soldiers.

Abdurrahman praised Kostrad's capability in maintaining
readiness for battle and its abilities despite being ill-equipped
with outdated weaponry.

"Kostrad has demonstrated strong willingness, capability and
services to the country," Abdurrahman remarked.

He also promised the soldiers that his government would try to
improve the welfare of all military and National Police
personnel.

This is not the first time Abdurrahman has visited the
headquarters of a military unit. Earlier this year, Abdurrahman
visited the Army's Special Force (Kopassus) and the Air Force's
special force (Paskhas).

Referring to demands from several American non-governmental
organizations to disband Kopassus as a prerequisite to restore
military relations with the United States, Abdurrahman said it
was an inappropriate and unfair request since even the United
States has its own elite force.(dja)