Soeharto wants ABRI to get tough

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto ordered the Armed Forces (ABRI) yesterday to take tough measures against any unconstitutional attempts by irresponsible people to damage the nation's unity.

The President said that these irresponsible people, whom he did not identify, used democracy and freedom of speech as a pretext to force their own will by violating the law.

He said antigovernment movements exploited the economic crisis to incite hatred of the government.

"Security forces and law enforcers must act firmly, without hesitation against any violations of laws," said Soeharto, supreme commander of ABRI, before 293 participants of an Armed Forces leadership meeting at Bina Graha presidential office.

Soeharto warned the nation Wednesday that groups were plotting to destroy the economy by engineering a dramatic fall in the rupiah against the U.S. dollar.

The retired five-star general acknowledged that the economic crisis was causing the people great suffering.

"Not a few enterprises have had to reduce their activities, and even close down their businesses, there are massive layoffs, and rising unemployment as well," he said.

Soeharto reminded the Armed Forces leaders of their duty to safeguard the presidential and vice presidential elections by the People's Consultative Assembly next month.

"Create a safe atmosphere and situation for the people and members of the People's Consultative Assembly which will convene next month.

"Strengthen ABRI's unity and don't be easily provoked by rumors," he instructed.

The assembly will elect a new president and vice president and draw up the broad guidelines of state policy. Soeharto is widely expected to lead the nation into the third millennium. (prb)