400 security officers for badminton c'ship

JAKARTA (JP): A total of 400 security personnel from the City Police force and the Jakarta Military Command have been assigned to safeguard the 12-day, world men's and women's badminton championships which started yesterday.

"There will be 275 police officers and 125 personnel from the military command," City Police spokesman Lt. Col. A. Latief Rabar said here yesterday.

The security team is led by Lt. Col. Wenas, head of the City Police Mobile Brigade Unit.

The 250 police personnel include members of the Mobile Brigade Unit, Rapid Response Unit, Traffic Police Unit, Highway Patrol Unit and Crime Investigation Unit.

This year's international Thomas and Uber Cup championships will be host 14 teams from China, Denmark, Finland, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, Sweden and Thailand.

Indonesia has reportedly allocated around US$1 million to host and organize the biennial championship, which is held at Senayan stadium in Central Jakarta.

Latief added: "Spectators will not be allowed to bring any weapons into the stadium. They are also prohibited from bringing bottled or canned drinks to this event."

Security personnel have been given the authority to thoroughly examine spectators at any time if they are suspected of carrying any drinks or sharp weapons, he said.

Police also urged spectators to use the parking lots already provided by organizers in areas around the stadium and lock their vehicles properly.

"We cannot watch the entire stadium all the time. Therefore, we hope that we can also rely on the spectators to be careful and observant." Latief said. (bsr)