Security beefed up ahead of holiday<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Security authorities have vowed to boost security in the
\ncapital on the eve of Idul Fitri and Christmas holidays in
\nanticipation of a repeat of last year's Christmas bombing spree.<\/p>\n
National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Friday that
\npolice would intensify security at churches and mosques in the
\ncoming holidays.<\/p>\n
\"I have also asked the public to inform the police if there
\nare places of worship without the presence of police officers. We
\nwill provide the gear to help the police carry out their duties
\nduring those days,\" Da'i said after attending a gathering at Vice
\nPresident Hamzah Haz's official residence in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
He further said that the police would also increase their
\nintelligence activities to anticipate any possible violence
\nduring the holidays.<\/p>\n
A series of bombings rocked several churches here and other
\nmajor cities in the country on Christmas Eve last year. At least
\n15 people were killed and dozens were injured in the blasts.
\nPolice have not yet been able to solve the case nor capture any
\nsuspects.<\/p>\n
Deputy Governor Abdul Kahfi said that Jakartans must be more
\nalert over the next few days, \"especially after we received
\nintelligence information that certain radical groups will create
\nchaos on the eve of Idul Fitri.\" He did not name the groups.<\/p>\n
City administration officials held an unscheduled meeting with
\nthe police and military officials at City Hall on Friday to
\ndiscuss and organize anticipatory security efforts.<\/p>\n
The plan to beef up security here includes the deployment of
\n16,500 personnel from the police and military and 2,500 public
\norder and civilian security officers from the city administration
\nto maintain security on the eve of Idul Fitri and before the
\nChristmas and New Year holidays. The officers will be posted at
\nplaces of worship and other strategic spots.<\/p>\n
Jakarta residents have been asked not to be easily provoked to
\njoin any riots occurring in the city.<\/p>\n
Governor Sutiyoso had earlier urged residents not to conduct
\ntakbir keliling (a parade during which participants chant praises
\nto Allah in vehicles around the city) to avoid any possible
\nunrest.<\/p>\n
Idul Fitri, which is based on the lunar calendar, and
\nChristmas this year fall less than two weeks apart, with the post
\nfasting festival falling on Dec. 16.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/security-beefed-up-ahead-of-holiday-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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