Jakarta – Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto warned on Friday the military would take repressive measures against street demonstrations which foment public disorder.
"This is our stance... of course with an apology to all, again with apologies... and also in reference to the people's wishes, ABRI will not hesitate to take firm actions against any street demonstrations which disturb the peace," he told reporters after addressing a House of Representatives (DPR) plenary session discussing a draft for a government decree in lieu of a law on freedom of expression.
"ABRI is not willing to see how a few people jeopardize the interests of more than 200 million Indonesians, who all expect prosperity and security, development, as well as justice."
Wiranto declined to elaborate on the nature of the repressive actions designated by the Armed Forces headquarters. "You (reporters) should just wait for my firm actions," he said.
Wiranto said ABRI's authority to conduct repressive actions was guaranteed in the government decree. The House will decide whether to deliberate or drop the decree in lieu of the law. "The decree is not in the interests of the government and ABRI, but for the sake of the people's consolidation and reform movement," Wiranto said.
He said he heard some protesters were paid to take to the streets. "I heard that a protester is paid Rp 25,000 (US$2.1) for a demonstration. With Rp I million, 40 protesters will appear." "How many protesters will appear with a Rp 100 million fund? It's such a shame to disturb the country's stability for the sake of only Rp 100 million." Separately on Friday, former vice president Try Sutrisno appealed to the students to quit their street demonstrations. "Security disturbances will only inflict losses on people," he said, citing financial market reactions to the demonstrations.
Addressing journalists after attending a meeting of the Armed Forces Big Family (KBA), he called on the nation to remain calm in facing the prolonged economic crisis and unfavorable political situation. "We have to stay together and respond to the challenges. And no one should provoke anyone else to commit violence and looting," said Try, current chairman of the Armed Forces Veterans Association (PEPABRI).
Student demonstrations continued on Friday with about 300 students of state-run Jenderal Soedirman University in Purwokerto, Central Java, having their say. Another rally was held in Semarang, where about 400 students protested the scarcity of rice and its skyrocketing price.
As with previous demonstrations in other Indonesian cities, the students demanded that Habibie step down. "Habibie's administration is no different from Soeharto's regime. He has been involved in corrupt, collusive and nepotistic practices since he was the state minister of research and technology," one of the protesters said. "It's no use giving him the opportunity (to lead) anymore."