Americans safety assured

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro asserted on Saturday that the police will guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens staying in Indonesia, following the horrendous terrorist attacks in America.

Speaking to media in Makassar after visiting strife-torn Poso regency in Central Sulawesi, Bimantoro said the police had already made steps to secure U.S. assets and official residences in all parts of the country.

"We have taken precautionary measures to curb possible attacks on Americans staying in Indonesia," Bimantoro, who is due to retire in November, said.

"The security guarantee is not only being given to those (Americans) living in Jakarta but also in all parts of the country," the general said.

Bimantoro made the statement following the massive and destructive Tuesday terrorist attacks on U.S. icons of power in New York and Washington D.C that have claimed thousands of lives.

In Indonesia, many feared that international terrorism had gone local following a spate of bombings at churches and shopping malls in Jakarta and several parts of the country this year.(27)