Sutoyoso tells Jakartans to maintain current stability
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)