Security jitters leave capital abuzz

Security jitters leave capital abuzz

JAKARTA (JP): Cabinet ministers along with military and police
top brass scrambled on Wednesday to explain President Abdurrahman
Wahid's startling remarks on a full security alert in the
capital.

Abdurrahman sprang yet another surprise by telling Indonesian
and Japanese businesspeople at Bina Graha presidential office
that the city police had declared a red-alert status in
anticipation of mass demonstrations.

"Today Jakarta has been declared on a state of alert, because
there are plans for huge demonstrations, but you don't notice
it," the President said.

Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi later acknowledged
recommending the red-alert status following intelligence reports
of a planned huge demonstration.

The President said people in Jakarta did not feel the effects
of the alert status because the police employed a special
strategy to ensure it would not disrupt the public's activities.

In his remarks, Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, voiced a
commitment to freedom of expression, but warned that he would not
hesitate to take harsh measures to maintain law and public order.

"We do not want to dramatize our power, but if necessary the
power can be exercised to control the situation and to ensure
freedom of expression."

There were signs of confusion among top officials in
explaining Abdurrahman's warning. Acting Coordinating Minister
for Political Affairs and Security Lt. Gen. (ret) Surjadi
Soedirdja and chief of the State Intelligence Coordinating Board
Lt. Gen. Arie J. Kumaat gave different interpretations.

"He has his own network, and, of course, his statement has a
strong basis. Therefore, in anticipation of the red alert, we
must be well-prepared," Surjadi said before the meeting.

Arie said huge demonstrations were planned in Jakarta, but
added the decision to raise the alert level was a preventative
measure.

"Every time we receive information on security disturbances,
we must take preventative measures to ensure that they will not
happen," he said before attending the meeting.

Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo A.S. argued the
President's remark was aimed at assuring the public and investors
that the situation was fully under control.

After the three-hour Cabinet meeting, Surjadi, Widodo, Arie
and Cabinet Secretary Marsilam Simanjuntak held a joint media
briefing to clarify Abdurrahman's statement.

"There is a slight misunderstanding or misperception, because
you did not hear it directly from the President, but from the
people who just came from the President's office," said Marsilam.

"All right," Marsilam nodded and smiled in response when
journalists told him they personally heard the statement and that
they fully transcribed the President's speech.

Surjadi said the officials clarified the statement with the
President. Surjadi, who is also minister of home affairs, said
the President intended to convince investors the handling of
security in the country was conducive to running a business.

"My purpose was to explain to the Japanese investors that the
situation is calm, and conducive," the minister quoted the
President as saying.

Widodo also said Abdurrahman's remark was a security assurance
to investors because many of them remain wary of the situation in
the country.

"Objectively, in some regions like Aceh and Maluku there are
still problems which need special treatment. But we must also see
that in general, in Jakarta and other regions, business
activities can operate freely and dynamically."

Meanwhile, People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais
said there was no reason for the President to worry about
attempts to undermine the government. He also hoped that
Abdurrahman would not be easily provoked by rumors.

"I hope that the President will only listen to official state
intelligence agencies," he said.

Nurfaizi said he ordered the top police alert level on
Wednesday morning at the request of the President.

"I passed on the recommendation ... (but) it is not my place
to reveal that information. Intelligence information is not for
public consumption," Nurfaizi said.

"I only recommended the Siaga Satu (top police alert). The
President was the one who demanded it. I was just following an
order."

When reporters argued the public had the right to know why the
capital, which has been calm since last October, was put on top
police alert, Nurfaizi replied it was a preventative measure.

"It is our job to prevent chaos and anarchy. What kind of
chaos and who causes it, I cannot say."

Asked if it was related to reported friction within the Army,
Nurfaizi said: "Ask the President. Don't ask me!"

Nurfaizi also declined to comment on whether the order was
connected to a recent police raid on a reportedly clandestine
meeting of activists in Bogor, West Java.

"I am not the Bogor Police chief. Ask the Bogor Police chief
about that."

Nurfaizi said the alert status was scaled back to normal later
in the day after the threats of disturbances did not materialize.

However, a demonstration was held in front of the Attorney
General's Office in South Jakarta in the afternoon, with
protesters clashing with police after they were blocked from
entering the compound.

Late on Tuesday night, several police trucks, mostly half-
empty, were observed on the capital's main streets, including Jl.
Jend. Sudirman and Jl. Thamrin.

Separately, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Dadang
Garnida said the alert was based on police reports that the
Democratic People's Party (PRD) was planning to coordinate
thousands of people in a mass demonstration in the capital.
(06/ylt/prb/jun)