Soeharto tells ABRI wacth out of future menace

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto warned the Indonesian Armed Forces of greater future challenges from outside and within the country.

In a written address marking the 47th anniversary of the Diponegoro Regional Military Command in Semarang, Central Java, Saturday, Soeharto said Armed Forces (ABRI) personnel should be more vigilant of future menace, Antara reported.

Chief of the military command Maj. Gen. Soebagyo H.S. read Soeharto's message at a special ceremony.

"As a socio-political power, ABRI personnel are also expected to stabilize as well as introduce dynamics (in the community)," the speech read. Soeharto was chief of the military command from 1956 to 1959.

Soeharto said the 47 years of Diponegoro command seemed like a short period, but it was during this time that the personnel had undergone ordeals and difficult challenges. But he said those challenges had been successfully overcome because of the high spirit of the personnel in defending the nation's security.

He also asked the command's personnel to help ensure a smooth and secure general election, scheduled for May 29, and the general session of the People's Consultative Assembly next year. The assembly would deliberate and produce the nation's Broad Guidelines of State Policies as well as elect a new president.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. R. Hartono also addressed the ceremony and reminded the military command's personnel that professionalism was the key to success in their defense and social political roles.

"The key...is to become even more professional and improve closeness with the people of Central Java and Yogyakarta," he said in a written address also delivered by Soebagyo.

He said they would also have to face the challenges of scientific development, and need to analyze future upheavals and challenges.

Hartono added the personnel also need to anticipate possible unrest in relation to the general election.

The ceremony was attended by former army chiefs including Lt. Gen. (ret) Ismail, Maj. Gen. (ret) Soeryo Soempeno and Maj. Gen. Moenadi. (swe)