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.