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)