President sticks with coup allegations

President sticks with coup allegations

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid repeated allegations
a regional military commander had publicly expressed
discontentment with the government, warning the unnamed commander
to end his outbursts if he wished to keep his job.

Speaking during a public dialog after Friday prayers at a
mosque near his private residence in South Jakarta, the President
said he had evidence to support his allegations, including
precisely what the general said.

"I can say in what hotel, at what time, who came to the
meeting and what was discussed there," a clearly agitated
Abdurrahman said.

However, Abdurrahman again failed to reveal the detailed
information he professes to possess.

"If he can correct himself within a certain time, then he will
stay, but if past a certain time he continues then he has to be
removed," the President said of the military commander.

In a television interview earlier this week, Abdurrahman said
there were several regional military commanders who were
mobilizing antigovernment forces.

A day later he corrected this statement, saying only one of
the 11 regional commanders was involved in any antigovernment
activities.

Separately, the head of the Brawijaya Military Command, Maj.
Gen. Sudi Silalahi, denied suggestions elements of the military
were moving against the President.

"I am convinced there are no military commanders who would do
such a thing. All TNI (Indonesian Military) soldiers have taken
an oath to be loyal to the country and the legitimate
government," Sudi, whose command covers East Java, said after
performing Friday prayers in Surabaya.

"For God's sake, I will never violate the oath," Sudi said,
adding that he had spoken to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Tyasno
Sudarto about the matter.

Sudi challenged those who would attempt to topple the
government to face soldiers under his command.

"If there are parties trying to overthrow the government, I
will be the first to face them," he said, adding that he
suspected those who fanned such rumors were groups or people who
wished to create unrest in East Java.

Separately, outgoing Wirabuana Military Commander Maj. Gen.
Agus Wirahadikusumah declined to comment on Abdurrahman's
allegations, saying it was beyond his capacity to comment on a
statement made by the President.

"I think the TNI chief and the Army's chief of staff have
already responded," Agus told The Jakarta Post in his office in
Makassar, South Sulawesi.

Agus is slated to take over the Army Strategic Reserves
Command (Kostrad) at the end of March. (prb/emf/nur/27)