Security agencies and elections

Security agencies and elections

From Media Indonesia

Intelligence agencies and the police are bracing themselves to
safeguarde this year's elections in all parts of the country.
According to the head of the State Intelligence Agency, his men
are now engaged in field operations to anticipate potential
problems and will again be mobilized for monitoring on election
days.

Despite the various impediments being faced by the General
Elections Commission (KPU), including slow progress in its
procurement of ballot boxes, we should hope that everything will
run smoothly as planned. All elements in society, especially
political parties, are interested in the success of this
political contest.

Certain individuals and groups, however, are intentionally
disseminating negative ideas that chaos will prevail in the
course of the elections. Such opinions should not be taken into
account, although we are aware that minor confusion may occur
locally rather than on a national scale, which can be dealt with
by intelligence agencies and the police.

MAHMUDI IRSAN
Medan, North Sumatra