Three soldiers get posthumous promotion

Three soldiers get posthumous promotion

JAKARTA (JP): Greater Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen.
Sutiyoso promoted posthumously yesterday three soldiers by one
grade who died on duty during the election campaigns in the city
from April 27 to May 23.

Sutiyoso said the three promoted soldiers were Sgt. Maj.
Margiono, First Pvt. Mansur and Second Pvt. Supriyanto.

"The three soldiers had dedicated their lives to safeguarding
the campaigns, and were beneficial in their duties. We are very
proud of them," Sutiyoso said in a military ceremony at the
Military Command Headquarters in East Jakarta.

Military Command Spokesman Lt. Col. DJ. Nachrowi said the
three officers had died after being treated for serious injuries
at Ridwan Meureksa Military Command Hospital in Central Jakarta.

Nachrowi said Margiono, who worked as an intelligence officer
with the military command, was injured in a riot in Bekasi.

Mansur, who was an officer of a cavalry battalion in the
military command, was injured in another riot in Tangerang, while
Supriyanto, who was a military police officer, was injured in a
riot in Matraman, East Jakarta, Nachrowi said.

Sutiyoso said riots that erupted during the campaign period
should be remembered and should awaken people who have not yet
realized Indonesian democratic life, which is based on Pancasila.

"Our investigations show that the riots were provoked by a
handful of people, who claimed to act in the name of democracy,"
he said, "but actually they destroyed public facilities with the
ultimate intention of disrupting the 1997 general election."

The Armed Forces, especially Jakarta Military Command, will
not tolerate threats against people's freedom, he said. "We will
further improve professionalism by ensuring stability of the
capital city," he said.

Sutiyoso ordered all soldiers to continue improving their
vigilance and to prepare for their next duty: safeguarding the
House of Representatives' General Assembly next March.

He also urged the public to help maintain security in
neighborhoods. "Don't hesitate to report to the nearest Vigilance
Command Post at a local military district command whenever there
are signs of an emerging riot," he said. (jun/hhr)