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)