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)