Security intact in Jakarta amid rumors: Ryamizard

BOGOR (JP): With rumors rife that religious conflicts in the Eastern islands may spread to the capital, Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Wednesday the city remained under control.

"Our intelligence unit remains good. It is still capable of detecting any threats to the city's security and order, such as bomb hoaxes or mass concentrations of people," Ryamizard told reporters after addressing the opening ceremony of a joint basic military training for units under the Jakarta Military Command's supervision in Ciampea district.

He was commenting on potential religious unrest in the city, having noted that many Maluku people, both Christian and Muslim, live in Jakarta.

Rumors of religious conflict spreading to Jakarta caused Indonesian share prices to plunge by 4.3 percent on Wednesday.

Dealers said offshore banks started selling their rupiah on rumors that Muslims planned to burn churches and Christian schools in Jakarta in reaction to the conflict in the islands of Maluku.

The Maluku conflict, which broke last year, has claimed over 2,000 lives and sent thousands more seeking refuge in other provinces.

Ryamizard said maintaining security in the city was not a major responsibility of the military command, as constitutionally it was the police's role.

"Yet, we'll support the city police by providing them with intelligence information in the their bid to prevent any unrest erupting in the city," the two-star general said.

As of April 1 last year, the National Police separated from the Indonesia Military (TNI). The police force is now under the supervision of the Ministry of Defense and Security, while waiting to become an autonomous force.

In respect of the National Police's new status, the military has pledged to withdraw its former key role in maintaining order and security in the country, and eventually hand it over completely to the police.

While incidents of unrest in Maluku have recently been decreasing, fresh violence hit the West Nusa Tenggara capital of Mataram on Monday.

At least one man has died, dozens of churches and places of worship torched or damaged and 15 kiosks and houses ransacked.

National political figures Amien Rais and Akbar Tandjung have called on people not to hold any mass gatherings, fearing that they could turn violent, since large groups were an easy target for provocateurs.

Stern actions

Ryamizard said the city's military command would keenly observe any large rallies or gatherings in the city.

"Large rallies will not be not banned. But if the crowds turn violent and uncontrolled, we will take stern action against them," he said.

Separately, city police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said on Wednesday he would do his best to prevent any similar religious unrest in the capital.

"I will maintain good relations with the Ambonese preman (hoodlums) who, for a price, secure certain areas in the capital.

"I have met up with some of them, and told them to maintain peace among the Indonesians in their neighborhoods and not to provoke any fights. I want peace in this capital, no matter what breaks out in Ambon," Noegroho told reporters at Jakarta Police Headquarters.

"I have also commanded my officers to arrest any provocateurs who might want to breach the peace in my capital. There should be no fights based on anything here. It is just wrong."

"I urge all my city residents to stay out of arguments and petty fights. Don't indulge in them."

Two hundred and fifty middle-ranking commanders are taking part in the basic military training that is being held over three days.

The commanders, with a minimum rank of platoon or military subprecinct chief, will be reintroduced to basic military exercises to refresh their combat ability, and given lectures on human rights and illegal drug use.

Ryamizard said the training exercises were meant to teach the military personnel how to become professional soldiers and distance themselves from politics.

"The duties of soldiers are to safeguard the country, not to get engaged in politics," he said.

He said the exercises were also aimed at enhancing cohesiveness within the Jakarta Military Command.

"The military training is intended to increase unity, togetherness and loyalty among military units," he said.

The Army Chief of Staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto is scheduled to observe the training sessions on Thursday. (asa/ylt/imn)