Army to hold 'marathon' operation

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)