Soesilo upbeat about national security in 1996

Soesilo upbeat about national security in 1996

JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman said yesterday he is optimistic Indonesia will remain stable in 1996 because the situation has been good in 1995 despite some tension.

Soesilo expressed concern only that a number of political issues that have affected security this year could persist in 1996.

"There are signs that some of the political issues that have developed in December will continue into January 1996," he told journalists, after heading a monthly meeting with ministers under his charge to review the security and political situation.

While maintaining that Indonesia will continue to enjoy a period of stability, Soesilo said the challenges facing the country next year will be no fewer than those facing it in 1995.

"We hope that political stability and security, which are the responsibility of us all, will be better in 1996, although the obstacles we face won't be any lighter," he said.

Among those taking part in the meeting yesterday were Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman, Minister of Information Harmoko, Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat and Attorney General Singgih.

Soesilo did not elaborate on the persistent political issues likely to stay at the fore in 1996, but said that incidents which occurred in five cities this year had caused concern.

Unrest with racial and religious undertones rocked the cities of Surakarta, Semarang, and Pekalongan in Central Java, Pasuruan in East Java and Purwakarta in West Java this year.

Despite these incidents, Soesilo said national stability was never under threat. He maintained that the incidents in five of Indonesia's 301 regency capitals did not mar the country's good security record.

"These problems have been resolved and now we are investigating their causes," he said.

Soesilo said that while there is a high level of internal and external dynamism in societal life, "there are no real forces which can disturb or shake the security and political stability".

Soesilo called on the public to remain vigilant and promised that the government is taking every step to anticipate likely political problems in 1996.

"We should stay aware of potential political issues which could crop up at anytime," Soesilo said.

The Armed Forces has warned throughout the year of an increase in activities by radical groups, particularly in West and Central Java. Government officials have also stressed the need to heighten awareness to counter a possible resurgence of communism. (mds)