Indonesian Defence Minister Mahfud Mahmoddin warned yesterday the armed forces could feel impelled to take power in the event of political 'chaos and massive anarchy'.
But an angry armed forces spokesman said: 'A coup d'etat has never even entered our mind. We strongly uphold the supremacy of law.'
About 7,000 students stormed Indonesia's Parliament on Monday and clashed with police firing tear-gas and warning shots as legislators stepped up pressure on President Abdurrahman Wahid over corruption allegations.
Many Indonesians are also frustrated at his reformist Government's broken promises.
Monday's protest - the biggest since Mr Wahid took power 15 months ago - and the threat of further disturbances coinciding with tomorrow's parliamentary session, have raised fears of heightened instability. Mr Mahfud voiced those fears, saying the armed forces could take 'one-sided action' if Parliament made 'decisions that would violate the constitution'.
'Firstly, if chaos and massive anarchy ensue, the TNI [armed forces] will take action because they do not want to risk this nation breaking apart. Secondly, [TNI could act] if they see that the constitution is being violated by anyone,' Mr Mahfud said.
But he admitted such a military emergency was unlikely.
