Wiranto asks for public cooperation against crime

Wiranto asks for public cooperation against crime

JAKARTA (JP): Greater Jakarta Military Chief Maj. Gen. Wiranto called on Jakartans yesterday to be more cooperative with security officers in their battle against crime in the city.

"All citizens should participate in the anti-crime drives. Please help the security officers make the city a more secure and safe place to live by providing information on crimes," he said yesterday.

He made the statements at the opening of a low-cost apartment complex in Tanah Tinggi sub-district, Central Jakarta. The event also marked the commemoration of the City Military Command's 46th anniversary, which falls on Dec. 24.

A charity bazaar, free medical services and mass circumcision for local children were some of the activities sponsored by the military.

Wiranto, accompanied by Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi, affirmed the commitments of the military and the police to minimize the incidence of crime in the city.

"It will be very difficult for the security officers to do their tasks without help from the rest of society. Everyone should give proper attention to their neighborhoods, daily security and cleanliness," he said.

Tanah Tinggi sub-district chief Rachman Sjah said that the area was formerly a slum, known as a "nest" of criminals and drug traffickers.

However, the neighborhood and welfare of the residents have improved since the apartments were built in 1992, and the number of crimes in the area have also dropped significantly. More than 800 street vendors, scavengers, factory workers, and low-ranking civil servant families now live in the four apartment blocks. (rms)