3,000 guard against terror in Cirebon

CIREBON, West Java: Police here have deployed at least 3,000 personnel to guard all strategic and vital facilities along West Java's north coast, following a powerful hotel bombing in Jakarta, which killed at least 10 people and injured 149 others.

Security was also increased at a number of hotels, shopping malls and entertainment centers in Cirebon, West Java, to anticipate the possibility of further terrorist attacks, police chief Sr. Comr. Sunaryono said.

He declared Cirebon to be on first alert status to remind security forces to be serious in carrying out their duties.

"We don't want to take any risks. We have tightened security and all personnel must be on guard," said Sunaryono, whose command oversees security in the regencies of Indramayu, Majalengka, Kuningan and Cirebon.

The strategic facilities under guard by police include the Balongan oil plant and its processing unit, which belongs to state-owned PT Pertamina in Indramayu.

Private cigarette firm PT British American Tobacco, PT Gas Indonesia and cement company PT Indocement Tunggal Perkasa, all in Cirebon, would also be provided police guards.

The personnel deployed to Pertamina include members of the West Java elite police Mobile Brigade (Brimob).

"The oil plant is the main supplier of fuel for West Java and Jakarta, so it is one of the most vital facilities to receive tight security," Sunaryono said. -- JP