Sjafrie vows to maintain city's security and order
JAKARTA (JP): Newly installed Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin promised yesterday to maintain security and order in the city and its environs, particularly during next month's SEA Games and next year's General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly.
"I will continue my predecessor's policies and improve them," he said after his induction as the new commander. He replaces Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso, who has been elected the new Jakarta governor.
If approved by President Soeharto, Sutiyoso, 53, will be installed as Jakarta's eighth governor on Oct. 6, replacing Surjadi Soedirdja.
Sjafrie was installed as the new commander by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Wiranto in a ceremony at the military command headquarters.
Sjafrie said he would safeguard the two forthcoming major events by applying the same techniques used by his predecessor during the May General Election.
"I will further consolidate the command's military units," he said.
Asked about "opposition" leaders and their supporters who might be considered to be disrupting security, Sjafrie said he would seek to hold talks with them.
"But when the talks will be held has yet to be scheduled," he said, smiling.
"They do not disturb security and stability as long as they deliver their opinions rationally," he said.
He also urged Jakartans to help maintain security and order in the city. "The success in maintaining security and order depends on the people's participation as well."
Wiranto thanked Sutiyoso for having successfully maintained security and order in Jakarta and its surrounding areas.
"I hope the City Military Command can improve its performance under Sjafrie's leadership," Wiranto said.
Born in Ujungpandang on Oct. 30, 1952, Sjafrie, a 1974 graduate of the Armed Forces Military Academy, spent most of his career in the Army's Special Force.
He was appointed chief of the Presidential Guard Corps' Group A in 1993, Bogor Military Commander the following year, and deputy chief of the Jakarta Garrison in 1995 before becoming the Jakarta Military Command's chief of staff on Aug. 14, last year.
He has participated in military operations in Aceh, East Timor and Irian Jaya.
He was involved in the Nanggala operations in East Timor and Aceh in 1976 and 1977 respectively, the Candraqa operation in East Timor in 1984, the Maleo operation in Irian Jaya in 1987 and the 86th Task Force operation in East Timor in 1990.
Sjafrie also participated in a series of military exercises at both domestic and international institutions.
He was trained in basic special forces tactics in 1975, intelligence in 1977; underwent airborne training in 1977, 1981 and 1983; attended an advanced military course in 1985; went on antiterrorism training and strategic intelligence courses in 1986 and attended the Army Staff and Command School in 1988.
Sjafrie is also one of the few high-ranking military officials who has a formal university education. He got a master's degree in business administration in the United States in 1993.
Yesterday's ceremony was attended by Surjadi, businessman Hutomo Mandala Putra, the youngest son of the President, and Lippo Group Managing Director Roy E. Tirtadji.
High-ranking military officials were also present, including the Army's Strategic Reserves Commander Lt. Gen. Soegiono, the assistant to the Armed Forces's sociopolitical chief Maj. Gen. Bambang Yudoyono and Wirabuana/Unjungpandang Military Commander Maj. Gen. Agum Gumelar. (jun)
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