Army chief tells Jakarta commander to stay alert

JAKARTA: Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Tuisutta told the Jakarta Military Command on Thursday to be alert amid heightened political tension in the capital.

Tuisutta said the freedom of expression had been misused by some parties, which could threaten security.

"Democracy is not implemented in the right way in our lives as a nation," Tuisutta said in his written message to celebrate the Jakarta Military command's 60th anni-versary.

In his written statement read by Jakarta Military commander Maj. Gen. Darpito Pudyastungkoro, Tuisutta noted that certain groups had been misusing democracy for political interests.

"We don't need to join the practical politics that could endanger ourselves and the army.

"Therefore, I ask each unit commander to explain to their soldiers the current national situation, so that they can better anticipate *threats*," he said.

He made the statement amid the heightening political tension following the current investigation into the Bank Century bailout scandal. - JP