Bitung on alert for riots

BITUNG, North Sulawesi: Port security authorities in Bitung, North Sulawesi, have been told to step-up surveillance against riot-makers aboard arriving ships there, ahead of Idul Fitri and Christmas.

Local port officials said on Monday the move was aimed at preventing the sectarian riot in the neighboring town of Poso and Maluku islands from spreading to Bitung during this month's holiday events.

Rosman Idris, a port official, said his office would closely examine all ships arriving in the Bitung port, and order passengers to show their identity cards.

Extra scrutiny is particularly conducted for ships coming from Poso and Maluku, where religious fighting has continued unabated, he said. --Antara