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.