Ryamizard warns Jakartans of attempts to sow conflict

JAKARTA (JP): Head of the Jakarta Military Command Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Friday certain groups were plotting to spark religious conflicts in the capital over Christmas and New Year.

On Christmas Eve scores of security personnel could be seen deployed at several churches.

Until Sunday, no incidents of religiously motivated violence had been reported in and around the capital. Christians prayed in their churches on Christmas eve on Friday and celebrated the following day in a peaceful and calm fashion, while Muslims performed their fasting as usual.

Ryamizard said indications groups were planning to create tension between followers of different religions were based on the findings of his intelligence officers.

"The command's military intelligence unit has observed several meetings held by those groups, discussing instigating riots either on Christmas day or New Year Eve," he told reporters, after leading a ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Jakarta Military Command at its headquarters in East Jakarta.

Ryamizard, however, did not identify the leaders or give details on the motives of the groups that were ready to rock the city.

"The command has even found several pamphlets containing statements insulting other (religious) parties," the two-star general said.

He said the Jakarta Military Command had done its best to foil the plotters by, among other things, working together with the police.

"If we don't coordinate with the police in preventing such plans, the Doulos incident could happen again here," he said.

Ryamizard was referring to the Dec. 15 arson attack by a mob on a school of theology and rehabilitation centers for drug addicts and mentally-ill people at the Christian-owned Doulos complex in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

The mob, believed to be locals upset at the alleged active Christianization scheme run by staff of the complex, beat and stabbed people in the complex. One person was killed and dozens other injured in the nighttime attack, which was immediately condemned by the government and public.

Police so far have named 11 suspects in the arson attack.

Ryamizard said his command had deployed 300 personnel to assist the city police in safeguarding the city from any religious or communal clashes during the festive season.

"But, all troops are ready to back up the police," he said.

He also urged people to participate in safeguarding the city.

"People should inform the command or the police immediately if they find any indication that a group of people are attempting, for example, to attack a religious place," he said. (asa)