Rumors of a coup attempt baseless: Edi

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Edi Sudradjat told people yesterday not to be provoked by baseless rumors about a coup attempt.

Speaking to reporters after addressing the opening ceremony of an ASEAN seminar on Principles of Regional Resilience and Cooperation, Edi said people should not trust such misleading information.

"The coup attempt turned out to be untrue, didn't it?" he said during a break in the two-day seminar organized by the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas).

He said citizens should maintain vigilance and not be easily provoked by irresponsible rumors aimed at creating political and economical instability.

"People should be able to filter all kinds of information and remain wary of any kind of provocation," he added.

Businessman and legislator Bambang Trihatmodjo also called for vigilance in responding to the rumors.

"People should be more cautious about the rumors, which have been launched in such an unfavorable political and economic climate," said Bambang, who is President Soeharto's son.

Edi and Bambang were commenting on the widespread rumors, which had been brewing since Monday, saying that there would be a coup attempt Wednesday.

Rumors of the coup attempt destabilized the country's economic system and depreciated the rupiah against the U.S. dollar.

The rupiah fell on rumors of President Soeharto's ailing health last week. Earlier, foreign reports even speculated that Soeharto was on his deathbed.

But none of the rumors have proven to be true.

The Armed Forces vowed last week to track down those who circulated rumors which it said threatened the country's economic and political stability.

But Edi dismissed speculation that there were foreign countries who were behind the monetary crisis and involved in starting the rumors.

Speaking on efforts to tackle the monetary crisis, Edi said all elements in society should be serious and do their best to settle the crisis.

But he said the government should prioritize the steps to be taken.

"There are things which require an immediate response, while others may have to be delayed or canceled," he said. (imn)