Army to hold 'marathon' operation

JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Municipal Agency for the Coordination of Support for National Stability is ready for a marathon operation to secure this year's Christmas, New Year's Eve and Idul Fitri festivities plus the May general election, the agency chairman said.

Chief of the Jakarta Military Command Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso said yesterday people needed proper security during the festivities.

"We hope that the people can go about their daily activities while the military carries out its marathon operation," Sutiyoso said after opening a bazaar to mark the Jakarta Military Command's 47th anniversary.

He said people should not worry about their security. "Just do your jobs and the officers will control the security."

He said the operation would involve city police and the city administration. "We will coordinate with the city police and the city administration in the operation."

He said the military had seized five guns in the recent crime crackdown after a series of armed robberies in the city.

"There have been no armed robberies since we held the operation in mid-November."

He was referring to the robberies of bank customers and taxi drivers which were becoming common before the crackdown. (jun)