Sjafrie advises Jakartans on political activities

TANGERANG (JP): City Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin called on Jakartans yesterday to concentrate on their work rather than joining political activities which could threaten public safety.

Addressing a group of farmers at a ceremony to mark the first harvest of green beans planted jointly with military personnel, Sjafrie warned about the maneuverings of certain political parties that were trying hard to agitate people.

"What's the use (of joining a rally) to support someone when at the same time your stomach is empty?" he said after symbolically marking the harvesting of 10 metric tons of beans at Sindang Jaya village in Pasar Kemis subdistrict here.

Sjafrie also appealed to political leaders and reform activists to channel their aspirations accordingly through constitutional means in order to prevent social disturbances.

He reiterated that the Armed Forces (ABRI) would not tolerate any movement that could be considered unconstitutional and against the people's will.

"Let's start to listen to our own consciences.

"If we consider (a movement) improper, just stop it. If it is considered constructive, please use the right institutions. Don't confuse the people," the two-star general said.

"We all can take part in the reform movement but remember that common people need food."

For months, Greater Jakarta has witnessed rallies every day. These have been staged by people from all walks of life -- from students and workers to politicians and activists.

Soeharto's resignation has not seemed to dent the protesters' ardor. They are now demanding a new president, the resignation of legislators, councilors and officials and better salaries.

Some groups have even occupied buildings in an attempt to realize their requests.

According to Sjafrie, most people in the capital and its environs no longer like to see too many demonstrations on the streets every day.

"I think the people are not pleased with this," he told the crowd at the harvest ceremony.

The beans harvested yesterday were planted in April on 10 hectares of idle land owned by the Argo Pantes textile group.

The project was managed jointly by ABRI, the local administration and a private firm. The scheme involved 300 military personnel and 47 local farmers.

The beans are to be sold to local cooperatives for between Rp 900 (7 U.S. cents) and Rp 1,000 per kilogram.

According to Sjafrie, the Rp 50 million that will be made from the crops will be distributed to the farmers.

The military personnel worked for free, he said.

Trisakti trial

Meanwhile, City Military Police commander Col. Hendardji said yesterday that 11 of the 18 officers charged with being involved in the Trisakti shooting would not be tried by a military court in the immediate future.

They will appear in court only after the weapons they used during the incident have been submitted to the investigation team, Hendardji said yesterday.

"The weapons are important evidence in this case.

"So far, we have not received any of them, although the court submitted a request to the National Police chief," he said.

Hendardji however failed to name the officers concerned.

Two police officers, company commander First Lt. Agus Tri Heryanto, 29 and platoon leader Second Lt. Pariyo appeared before a military court in East Jakarta on Saturday and Tuesday

The officers, both from the city police mobile brigade, were charged with undisciplined acts under Article 103 of the Military Penal Code which carries a maximum sentence of two years and four months in prison.

Four students were killed and many more injured when security forces opened fire to disperse the student rally at Trisakti University in Grogol, West Jakarta, on May 12.

A bullet with a diameter of 5.56 mm was removed from one of the victims' bodies on Sunday.

A high-ranking military officer revealed yesterday that the bullet could have originated from a Steyr AUG, an M-16 or an SS-1 rifle.

The officer, who asked for anonymity, said Steyrs are used only by the police, M-16s by all ABRI units and SS-1s were ABRI's standard shotgun. (ivy)