Batam Police anticipate holidays

BATAM, Riau: In anticipation of the coming Christmas, Idul Fitri and New Year holidays, the Batam, Rempang and Galang (Barelang) police will deploy at least 500 personnel to ensure security, chief Supt. Bachrul Effendi said here on Wednesday.

He said security for the holidays would be the same as usual, except that areas vulnerable to crime, such as Hang Nadim Airport, the ferry terminal and the international and interisland port, would get special attention.

He said the police would focus on the sea port of Sekupang, Telaga Punggur and Hang Nadim.

All the personnel will be from the Barelang Police Headquarters, he said, adding that almost 500,000 residents of Batam, mostly migrants from all corners of the country, had limited means of land transportation.

Those wanting to go home will have to use sea or air transportation, Bachrul said. (26/lup)