Security forces braced for possible violence
Security forces braced for possible violence
JAKARTA (JP): Ten thousand of the city's security forces
paraded Saturday in an attempt to assure the public they are
ready to handle any disturbances.
Led by Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman, the
display at the Senayan East Parking Lot in Central Jakarta
included members of the police, military and marines' elite
units.
Intelligence and military police officers were also present.
"We want to build public trust again," Noegroho told the media
after inspecting the parade.
The participants were less than half of the city's 25,000
security forces personnel, he said, adding that all of them are
on constant alert to maintain security in the capital.
Noegroho denied accusations that the parade was held in a bid
to anticipate the plans of Megawati Soekarnoputri's supporters
who intend to hold rallies today to mark the second anniversary
of a bloody attack on the party headquarters in defiance of a
police ban.
"I'm new in the capital. I have to count and consolidate the
forces. It is not a show of force.
"The July 27 commemoration is just an activity that we have to
monitor because that kind of event could be manipulated by
irresponsible parties who always want to create chaos," he
argued.
"There are no special preparations (by the security forces)
for July 27, because there will be no public commemoration. We
did not issue any permit whatsoever. But they said they're going
to stage a street rally.
"Well, if they insist on doing so, we will try to be as
sympathetic and persuasive as possible. But of course if they
violate the regulations, we will take firm action," Noegroho
said.
He said that people have grown tired of unrest.
"Understand one thing here. People have suffered too much from
this crisis," he reminded.
In his speech, Noegroho reiterated five points to the security
personnel when dealing with public: give good service, be
persuasive, obey the law, maintain a good relationship with all
segments of society and take firm action only as the last option.
"Why do you have to follow these points? Because in this era
of reform, people have become very critical and we have to be
careful over every step we take."
Among the officials who attended the parade were City Governor
Sutiyoso, Jakarta Military Police Commander Col. Hendardji,
Jakarta Military Command Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Sudi Silalahi
and National Mobile Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. S.Y. Wenas.
Security forces braced for possible violence (edt)