Antiterror squad to secure SBY's inauguration

Antiterror squad to secure SBY's inauguration

Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Jakarta Police are set to deploy 2,037 personnel, including
the Detachment 88 special antiterror squad, at the compound of
the House of Representatives/People's Consultative Assembly and
Hotel Mulia in Senayan, Central Jakarta, for the inauguration of
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla
on Wednesday.

"We have started deploying some personnel at both compounds
starting today, two days prior to the inauguration," city police
spokesman Tjiptono told a press conference on Monday.

Police have included bomb explosions as one of possible
threats as there was an explosion inside the House compound on
July 14, 2003.

The high explosive bomb, which exploded before working hours,
ripped through the rolling door of the central air-conditioner
control room at the Nusantara IV building and shattered windows
75 meters away. The device was packed with shrapnel, including
15-centimeter nails, which police later found scattered 100
meters from the blast site. No fatalities or injuries were
reported.

The perpetrators -- Aditiawarman alias Adi bin Warman, 23, and
Fadli Hasan alias Ifat Hasan, 44 -- were sentenced to six years
and four years imprisonment respectively.

Security is also being beefed up due to the expected presence
of foreign leaders.

Police have also prepared themselves for possible sabotage of
the event, protests, general crimes such as theft and pickpockets
and infiltration.

"Traffic police will also be deployed to overcome traffic jams
that will likely occur in the areas," Tjiptono said.

Police have divided the security at the House compound into
three rings. Ring I team comprises of 377 officers and is
designated to secure the entrances and inside the buildings. The
642-strong Ring II team is deployed around the compound and the
Ring III team with 641 officers will secure the streets
surrounding the compound.

Some 297 policemen will also safeguard the Mulia Hotel, where
the MPR members and national and international state guests will
be staying.

The security for Susilo and Kalla will be under the auspices
of the Presidential Guard.

Police will also deploy two helicopters and other tactical
vehicles including water cannons.

"We will also coordinate with several hospitals to provide
ambulances and medical equipment," Tjiptono said.