10,000-strong security force for SEA Games

10,000-strong security force for SEA Games

JAKARTA (JP): Newly installed Jakarta Military Commander Maj.
Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said yesterday that he would deploy
10,000 police officers and military personnel to safeguard next
month's SEA Games.

Their duties will include protecting the 5,800 athletes and
officials from the 10 countries participating in the games.

Sjafrie, who is also the SEA Games' security chairman, said
the athletes, officials and dozens of important guests would be
in the city from Oct. 4 to Oct. 23.

The two-star general said they would be guarded from the
moment they arrived in Jakarta until they left.

"The officers will wear special uniforms to make them more
comfortable, approachable and attractive," he told a press
conference held by the SEA Games' organizing committee.

The games are scheduled to be officially opened by President
Soeharto on Oct. 11 and officially closed by Vice President Try
Sutrisno Oct. 19.

The athletes are to stay at 23 hotels in the city and its
environs.

He said that 10 helicopters would be deployed to monitor the
games' venues, including those outside the city such as the
Jatiluhur dam in West Java.

Sjafrie said he had set up the SEA Games Intelligence Center
to collect information on possible trouble that might occur.

Sjafrie declined to mention the funds needed for the security
purposes. "It's up to the organizing committee. Whatever they
give, we will keep the security," he added.

At the same conference, City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami
Nata said yesterday that the athletes would be free to go
anywhere in the city.

"There are no forbidden places for the athletes. Jakarta is a
safe city," said Hamami, who is also the vice chairman of the
games security committee.

He said no entertainment centers or nightclubs would be out of
bounds to the athletes.

But officers are to continue their "Kilat Jaya" operation at
certain places which are prone to crimes, to help reduce possible
crime against the athletes.

Hamami said one of the possible problems during the games
would be the traffic jams.

He said officers would close certain roads and alter the
traffic flow in others to facilitate the transportation of the
athletes to their venues.

"The athletes are the priority. So, I apologize if Jakartans
experience difficulties during the SEA Games," he said. (jun)