Private security forces banned during MPR session

JAKARTA (JP): Unlike past practices, all political parties and mass organizations will be prohibited from deploying their security forces at the upcoming general session of People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) because it is feared their participation could raise new security problems.

Assembly Speaker Amien Rais said on Wednesday that the National Police, with the backup of the military, would be in charge of law and order during the annual session from Aug. 7 through to Aug. 18.

"Leaders of all political parties and mass organizations should not be motivated to deploy their security forces. The National Police with the help of Indonesian Military (TNI) will be able to handle security matters during the general session. And the 10-day session will go smoothly," he said, after a meeting with security authorities here on Wednesday.

Also attending the meeting were TNI Commander Adm. Widodo A.S., National Police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo, Jakarta Military chief Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu, City Police chief Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi and the chairman of the MPR's Special Ad Hoc Committee, Postdam Hutasoit.

Rusdihardjo said a total of 68,000 police and military personnel would be deployed nationwide to maintain law and order at the general session.

"In Jakarta, 19,000 police and more than 4,000 military personnel will be mobilized and reinforcements will be readied if needed," he said.

He conceded several political parties and mass organizations have recently requested, out of good will, to send their security forces to help the security authorities "but we turned them down because their participation is feared to cause negative impacts to the general session."

He declined to identify the political party-affiliated security forces.

Rusdihardjo said that despite possible waves of demonstrations, security authorities would not impose any blockades on the streets around the MPR compound.

Asked about the session's main agenda, Amien reiterated that it would listen to the President's progress report without having to deliver his accountability speech.

"There will be no agenda aimed at impeaching the President who was elected democratically last October. The Assembly will evaluate the progress report and make necessary corrections to it," he said. (rms)