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praised Kostrad's capability in maintaining readiness for battle and its abilities despite being ill-equipped with outdated weaponry.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