Desy Nurhayati, Jakarta – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged the nation Monday to avoid mass public demonstrations that could destabilize the nation's political balance as was seen in Thailand last week.
Yudhoyono also called on the nation to remain alert to possible terror threats following the recent attacks in Mumbai, India, which killed at least 130 people and have been blamed on Islamic militants.
The President's warning against mass rallies came amid rumors that some 1,000 victims of the mudflow disaster in Sidoarjo, East Java, are planing to stage a major protest outside of the State Palace in Jakarta today.
Hundreds of the victims have arrived in Jakarta and are staying at the Istiqlal mosque.
They will demand a meeting with Yudhoyono to urge to him to force PT Lapindo Brantas, a gas drilling company widely blamed for the disaster, to pay them the remaining 80 percent of compensation it promised them.
Yudhoyono said next year's general elections would heat up the country's political situation and could lead to social unrest.
"I ask all elements of the nation to maintain the stability of our political and social situation. I expect everyone to control themselves and exercise their political rights appropriately," he told a news briefing at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.
He said it was more suitable for the public to convey their political concerns and exercise their political right by voting in next year's elections rather than through chaotic action.
"Let us avoid unnecessary mass mobilizations because we have elections as an appropriate democratic practice. Mass mobilizations with various motives will only cause public disorder that would in turn bring difficulties to the people."
The President said the stable situation in the country should be maintained to support the government in its efforts to tackle the impacts of the global financial crisis.
"We don't want people to suffer because of an unsteady political situation. Support from the people is important (to ensure stability). This is the country that we should protect together," said Yudhoyono, who is seeking a second five-year term in office next year.
He said the nation should be on its guard against acts of terror. "We should stay alert and ensure our readiness so that we can quickly respond if there are certain parties intending to threaten the country's security. Of course, our response must be in accordance with the prevailing laws."
Yudhoyono ordered the State Intelligence Agency, the National Police and the Indonesian Military to take necessary measures to safeguard the country against terrorism.
"I have instructed the police, military and intelligence to keep training to heighten their readiness to prevent unrest and terrorist attacks."
Yudhoyono said the public should learn from the lessons of the 1997-1998 monetary crisis, which threw the country into political and social disorder that lead to the ousting of then president Soeharto.