Security business prospering, on the rise<\/p>\n
Hartono Iggi Putro, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Since the terror attacks that rocked Bali, this country has
\nwitnessed serious threats to its security. Terrorist acts like
\nbomb blasts and bomb hoaxes continue to make headlines, seemingly
\nat regular intervals.<\/p>\n
Obviously, this situation keeps those managing government and
\nprivate office compounds, hotels, shopping centers and other
\npublic facilities on alert for any uncalled-for eventuality.<\/p>\n
In an attempt to deter terrorist acts, the government has
\nissued three recommendations. First, all government and private
\ninstitutions and those managing public facilities are required to
\nintroduce standard security measures on their premises to prevent
\nterrorist acts, particularly bomb blasts.<\/p>\n
Second, public participation must be intensified. Third, early
\ndetection efforts must be intensified. These recommendations were
\nissued only a day after a bomb exploded at JW Marriott Hotel in
\nJakarta in early August 2003.<\/p>\n
Shortly after the issuance of these recommendations, those
\nmanaging government and private office compounds and other public
\nfacilities intensified their efforts to safeguard such places.<\/p>\n
Inspections have been introduced in practically every high-
\nrise building, government or privately owned, hotel and shopping
\ncenter. Every visitor, either on foot or in a car, will be
\nsubject to an inspection by a metal detector.<\/p>\n
In several buildings the security procedures are very tight.
\nTake the Bursa Efek Jakarta (the Jakarta Stock Exchange)
\nbuilding, for example, which suffered a terror bombing in 2000.
\nAs if to ensure that there will be no recurrence of a bomb
\nexplosion here, the management of the building where stocks are
\nsold allows only automobiles with a special sticker on them to
\nenter the building. Otherwise, the cars must drop their
\npassengers on a side street.<\/p>\n
Those who manage office buildings, shopping centers and other
\npublic facilities seem to have been plagued by a strong paranoia.
\nSecurity becomes something very exclusive on their minds.<\/p>\n
As security becomes a hot topic in our society, companies
\nselling security products and security management services have
\nenjoyed an upturn in business. Vast opportunities are there to be
\nexploited. No wonder, new companies have sprung up.<\/p>\n
Advertisements offering security tools are easily found in
\nvarious kinds of the mass media.<\/p>\n
The demand for security products and management services has
\nrisen very quickly. The sales of metal detectors, security
\nalarms, CCTV (close circuit television), VTR (video tape
\nrecorder), bullet-proof vests, detecting doors and other security
\ndevices has increased sharply.<\/p>\n
For those managing office buildings, prices come second as
\nwhat matters most to them is how they can prevent acts that can
\nharm the tenants.<\/p>\n
In terms of price, security products and services are quite
\ncostly. A club-shaped metal detector ranges between Rp 3 million
\n(about US$315) and Rp 4 million in price. This type sells very
\nwell.<\/p>\n
A doorway metal detector, the type usually found in airports,
\ncan cost Rp 45 million each, plus installation costs. Following
\nfrequent bomb hoaxes, these detectors have become popular among
\ncompanies whose offices are located in high-rise buildings.<\/p>\n
CCTVs are also great demand. Depending on the make, it varies
\nin price, starting from Rp 30 million per unit. Small-size CCTVS,
\nwhich will not attract attention when installed, sell best of
\nall.<\/p>\n
Another safety product with higher demand is a bullet-proof
\nvest, especially the best quality types from the United States
\nand Korea.<\/p>\n
The vests are out of stock in several companies. While it is
\nquite costly - Rp 30 million per piece, these silk-lined bullet-
\nproof vests, which weigh only about 1.5 kgs, sell very well.<\/p>\n
Bullet-proof vests of the third or fourth quality, which are
\nlined with ceramic panels, cost Rp 6 million to Rp 10 million
\napiece.<\/p>\n
Although security products are often advertised, they are sold
\nunder certain procedures. When you buy something of this nature,
\nthe vendor will need your identity, your address and your
\ntelephone number. To ensure that these products are used
\nproperly, the vendor will deliver the items, such as gas masks
\nand bullet-proof vests, to the address of a buyer.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, although they advertise their products in
\nvarious kinds of the mass media, a number of companies selling
\nsecurity products keep their location secret for security
\nreasons. If you are interested in one of these products, the
\nvendor will give you only his telephone number. \"If you are
\nreally interested to buy, our man will come to your place and
\ndemonstrate the instrument,\" said a metal detector vendor.<\/p>\n
A business boom is enjoyed not only by companies selling
\nsecurity products, but also by those providing security services.
\nCompanies and wealthy people, such as government officials,
\nbusinessmen, politicians and celebrities, use security services
\nto protect themselves.<\/p>\n
Security services available comprise security consulting
\nservices, security devices, security training and education,
\ncash-in-transit escorts, guard services and rescue services.<\/p>\n
There is, indeed, a vast market potential for security
\nequipment and services.<\/p>\n
Iqbal Thaibsyah, senior sales manager of PT Securicor
\nIndonesia, a company providing security products and services,
\nsaid there is still a vast market potential for the business.<\/p>\n
On the alarm system market, for example, the potential demand
\nstands for 18,000 connections, but at present only between 3
\npercent and 5 percent of that potential has been fulfilled.<\/p>\n
\"This business has quite bright prospects,\" Iqbal said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/security-business-prospering-on-the-rise-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }