Tangerang youths want part in militia

TANGERANG (JP): Interest in high in joining the People's Security (Kamra) militia at the local military district command.

Dozens of youths are registering daily, commander Lt. Col. Meria Wiryadi said on Tuesday.

Recruitment, part of the controversial militia program launched by the Armed Forces (ABRI), started in the greater Jakarta area on Jan. 11 and will last until March 12, Lt. Col. DJ. Nachrowi, spokesman for the Jakarta Military Command, said earlier.

About 1,500 Kamra members will be recruited in the Tangerang area, Meria said.

"Between 10 and 15 people will be recruited from each district in Tangerang, depending on the need in particular areas."

Nachrowi said the recruitment targeted male Indonesian citizens, aged from 18 to 45 and with at least junior high school diplomas.

Training of recruits will begin on Feb. 1 at 14 ABRI training centers, including the command's main regimental headquarters in Condet, East Jakarta, the medical training center in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, and the traffic training center in Serpong, Tangerang, he said.

"The training lasts for half a month. During the training each member will receive Rp 100,000."

Members will receive Rp 200,000 per month following training, he added.

Nachrowi said Kamra's main goal would be to help security personnel safeguard the general election next June. (41/hhr)