Private security forces banned during MPR session

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)