Association bemoans tight security

BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan: A port transportation association has complained about the tight security measures imposed on trucks passing along Jl. Minyak in Balikpapan, saying the measures were causing severe traffic jams and cutting the productivity of drivers.

However, the local police said the measures were implemented in response to security concerns in the wake of the Bali bombings early this month.

"This policy cannot be revoked because of concerns over more terrorist actions after the October Bali bombings," said Balikpapan Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Hadi Purnomo.

The police have beefed up security along Jl. Minyak, which is home to numerous offices and refineries belonging to oil and gas companies.

Pickup trucks and vans draw a great deal of police attention because a pickup was used to transport the bomb used in the Marriott hotel bombing in Jakarta two years ago. That bombing killed 12 people. -- Antara