Be vigilant for GAM attacks: Sutiyoso

Be vigilant for GAM attacks: Sutiyoso

Governor Sutiyoso warned Jakartans to remain alert for
possible revenge attacks from the separatist Free Aceh Movement
(GAM) as the central government has planned a military operation
against the rebel group.

"We will anticipate all possibilities. It is in the nature of
separatist rebels to spread fear among the public. It has
happened before, and the targets they chose were the center of
government, such as Jakarta," Sutiyoso said at his office on
Sunday.

He asked residents not to panic and instead take an active
role in securing the capital.

"Be our eyes and ears. Report immediately if you find
suspicious parcels -- don't take a risk," he said, asking owners
of entertainment spots and public places, such as shopping malls,
to tighten security and use metal detectors.

GAM and the central government were locked in tense
negotiations in Tokyo on Sunday, which eventually failed to
secure peace. Jakarta had announced its intention to carry out a
full military operation if talks in Tokyo failed.

Police have suspected that GAM masterminded the latest two
bomb attacks near the UN building and at Terminal F of Soekarno-
Hatta airport.

According to the police, GAM is also implicated in a string of
bombings, including those in the Jakarta Stock Exchange building,
military-owned Graha Cijantung mall, Atrium shopping center and a
grenade hurled outside the Malaysian Embassy.

Sutiyoso said his office was coordinating closely with the
Jakarta Police and Military Command, to anticipate possible
attacks in the capital.

Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara added that
the headquarters was now on top alert. "We shall step up security
as much as we can, and shall seek more powers if necessary," he
added.