Security intact in Jakarta amid rumors: Ryamizard

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)