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)