Soeharto wants ABRI to get tough

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)