Sutoyoso tells Jakartans to maintain current stability

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso has appealed to Jakartans to keep maintaining current favorable conditions of the capital.

"If we ease up even a little bit, problems and menaces...could possibly appear," said Sutiyoso in closing remarks at the 55th ABRI (Armed Forces) social works program in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, yesterday.

His statement was delivered by his chief of staff, Brig. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

According to Sutiyoso, certain parties could disturb the city's sound stability in many ways.

"Among efforts of those who wish to discredit the government are the spreading of leaflets and inciting people to strike in an attempt to create a tense situation in society," said Sutiyoso, who has been widely predicted to become Jakarta's next governor in October.

Since last year, the capital has been rocked by a series of massive riots and strikes, leaving a trail of fatalities and material losses.

One of the biggest incidents occurred July 27, 1996, when military officers faced thousands of supporters of ousted PDI leader Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Sutiyoso said military personnel in Jakarta and its surroundings, such as Tangerang and Bekasi, have been fully made aware of their duty to optimize city security, particularly ahead of next year's General Meeting of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

The meeting, to be held in March, will choose the country's next president for the next five years and adapt state guidelines.

According to Sutijoso, the ABRI social works program was part of military efforts to encourage cohesiveness and preserve unity, so society could not easily turn on itself under the guidance of irresponsible parties.

The ABRI program took place at several locations of Greater Jakarta for 21 days, together with a similar program conducted by teenage students.

The program helped educate locals on the importance of being a nation and helped construct facilities -- including prayer facilities, inexpensive houses, as well as road repairs and school renovations. (bsr)