14,000 to safeguard holiday exodus

14,000 to safeguard holiday exodus

JAKARTA (JP): A 14,000-strong security team will be deployed
to safeguard the mass exodus of Jakartans during the Christmas,
New Year, Ramadhan fasting month and Idul Fitri holidays.

City police chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata said yesterday the
team would consist of 10,000 police officers and 4,000 personnel
from related authorities such as the military and City Land
Transportation Agency.

"We'll go all out in the hope that our services will be able
to satisfy the people and provide optimum security for those who
want to celebrate the festive season in their hometowns or just
in the city," Hamami said after observing the team's progress at
the Senayan East parking lot.

As usual, the security plan for Christmas is codenamed Operasi
Lilin (Operation Candle) while those for Ramadhan and Idul Fitri
are called Operasi Ketupat, which refers to the traditional rice
cake boiled in plaited coconut leaves and served during Idul
Fitri.

In his speech, Hamami told the team to behave in a courteous
manner.

"Don't be arrogant. Don't be confrontational. And don't make
things harder for people."

Hamami did not elaborate on where the 14,000 personnel would
be stationed but said that some police would be assigned to
safeguard housing complexes which are vacated during the festive
season.

He also called on Jakartans, who planned to go away, to report
their whereabouts to neighborhood chiefs or the nearest police
station.

And he reminded people to be careful and obey the regulations,
especially road and traffic rules for those who intend to drive.
(cst)