Presidential Guard gets downsized

Presidential Guard gets downsized

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Presidential Guard has been significantly reduced in size as
part of a program to improve efficiency in the unit, says the
commander of the force, Maj. Gen. Nono Sampurno.

The two-star general also disclosed that the cavalry unit and
armored vehicles which had previously been attached to the
Presidential Guard had been returned to Army headquarters.

"Thanks to this reorganization, the Guard is more efficient
both as regards structure and manpower," Nono told a hearing with
the House security commission here on Wednesday.

There are now 2,434 soldiers in the unit, down from 3,376
prior to the restructuring.

Nono was accompanying State Secretary Bambang Kesowo during
the hearing.

The Presidential Guard commander said the force had also cut
the number of guards who accompanied the head of state during
overseas visits.

Nono said the reduction was made possible as the unit sent
advance teams to the countries the president would visit to
prepare the security arrangements. This practice had been
followed for the past few years.

"These teams are assigned to survey the situation a few days
before the president's arrival," he said.

The number of members of Indonesian advance teams, according
to Nono, was less than 10, compared to the between 30 and 40
usually sent by the Malaysian security authorities and around 100
deployed by the United States.

Nono said the decision to implement the practice was because
the Presidential Guard could coordinate with Indonesian defense
attaches abroad.

Despite the new efficiency policy, Nono gave assurances that
the unit still kept pace with international standards regarding
security for presidents and state dignitaries.

Commenting on legislators' queries over the involvement of
some Presidential Guard troops in common crimes, Nono denied
allegations that these reflected poor discipline in the unit.

"We have, in fact, been improving the discipline of our
troops," he added.

Presidential Guard data actually showed a decrease in the
number of its personnel becoming involved in crime.

Seventy-six of its members committed violations in 2000, but
this figure decreased by 15 percent in 2001, and further dwindled
by 20 percent in 2002.

"The declining trend is the result of serious efforts to
improve discipline," Nono said.

During the hearing, which was presided over by Effendy
Choirie, deputy chairman of the security commission, Nono
acknowledged that there was a correlation between the number of
violations and the inadequate welfare of the unit's troops.

He said that each of his soldiers received only Rp 800,000
(US$89) per month to help secure the capital city Jakarta. Most
of his troops did not own their own houses, but rather had to
rent them.

Prompted by this, commanders in the military generally
tolerated their men moonlighting to earn extra income.

"Usually, they work at night. And this increases the risk (of
involvement in crime)," he said, adding that he would act
strictly against errant personnel.