[This item shows the insidious campaign now being mounted by some top generals to hound the opposition and provoke anti-Chinese progroms. If they succeed, things could get very rough for minority groups up and down the country after the Chinese and Muslim festivities of this week come to an end - Tapol.]

Indonesia's military Tuesday warned the country against linking politics with the economic crisis gripping Indonesia, saying it could lead to further instability.

"We must never be caught offguard by rumours and politicise the present economic crisis", said the social and political chief, Lt General Yunus Yosfiah. "History had shown that confusing economic reforms and political reforms could lead to a rise in political instability", he was quoted as saying by the national news agency, Antara.

"We must not use street demonstrations or other political manouevres to solve the country"s problems. We must instead strengthen national unity to get out of this difficulty," he said.

The military has taken a more visible stance over the past month in showing its support for nationwide campaigns mounted to bolster the country"s devastated currency.

Military leaders specifically called on all non-indigenous Indonesians, primarily ethnic Chinese and Indians to join the "Love the rupiah" campaign and turn in their dollars. "With the spirit of nationalism, we must be willing to make some sacrifices and participate in movements like "Love the rupiah" and "love local products" campaigns, Yosfiah said. The military has warned that it will not tolerate any disruption in the run-up to the prepsidential selection in March when Suharto is widely expected to be returned for a seventh term.