Security troops drop into markets<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The army conducted security drills yesterday in
\nGreater Jakarta in preparation for the May general election.<\/p>\n
Drills were conducted around Hotel Indonesia, the Senen
\nMarket, Central Jakarta, the downtown business centers of Jl.
\nGajah Mada and Glodok, as well as Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta
\nand Blok M, South Jakarta.<\/p>\n
At the Senen market, the sound of helicopters interrupted
\ntransactions as visitors and traders watched officers in black
\ndescending on ropes from helicopters.<\/p>\n
Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso said the
\nhelicopters were needed to overcome Jakarta's traffic jams.<\/p>\n
Training was important he said, while observing the drills in
\nBlok M, "because we need to be sure there is no weakness on the
\npart of soldiers in securing the election."<\/p>\n
With helicopters, Sutiyoso said, a troop took only five
\nminutes to get from Jakarta Military Command in East Jakarta to
\nBlok M.<\/p>\n
"If there was a riot here it could be immediately contained,"
\nSutiyoso said.<\/p>\n
The army units engaged in the maneuvers were from Jakarta,
\nTangerang and Bekasi.<\/p>\n
At Senen, residents and visitors clambered to the Atrium roof
\nto watch the activities on the market's rooftop.<\/p>\n
Other traders and buyers peered from below.<\/p>\n
Officers carrying rifles were deployed around the market
\nduring the operation from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. A few had time to
\nask the prices of wares such as belts.<\/p>\n
Trucks carrying soldiers parked along Jl. M.H. Thamrin. as
\ntroops practiced on other buildings.<\/p>\n
On Feb. 20 Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung inaugurated
\na 10,000-strong security unit to back up police officers securing
\nthe capital during the election. (anr\/05)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/security-troops-drop-into-markets-1447893297",
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