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)