Bomb hoax disturbs moviegoers at mall

Bomb hoax disturbs moviegoers at mall

JAKARTA (JP): A bomb threat rocked Mal Pondok Indah in South
Jakarta on Saturday night, forcing the mall's management to
temporarily evacuate hundreds of moviegoers.

After a brief inspection by Jakarta Military Command, Jakarta
Police and the Gegana Bomb-Sweeping Squad, the threat was deemed
to be a hoax.

The mall was declared safe and after the unplanned
intermission, moviegoers were able to finish watching their
films.

South Jakarta Police detective chief Capt. Rico. A. told The
Jakarta Post after the operation that the precautionary action
was needed to ensure the safety and security of the building and
its patrons.

An anonymous phone call was received between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Saturday, Rico said without providing further details. But
another source claimed the bomb threat was received at 11 p.m.

"The majority of people are here (in the cinema) because many
of them are watching the midnight show. It is better, for the
sake of everyone, that we checked the entire building," he said.

Rico admitted that the identity of the caller remained
unknown.

"No, we don't have any suspects yet. The most important thing
is to secure the building and (ensure the safety of) the people
here."

According to on-duty personnel at the theater, located on the
third floor of the building, an estimated 1,500 people were
watching the midnight shows in six theaters: Pierce Brosnan's
latest hit James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies, Titanic, Keenen
Wayan's Most Wanted, Air Bud and Starship Troopers.

At midnight the films in all six theaters were abruptly
stopped with a screen message stating: "Sorry. There's been a
technical disturbance." The audience instantly booed in
disappointment.

But when the lights went on in the theaters, people were
startled to find security officers entering the cinemas.

The theater staff asked the audience to file out in an orderly
manner, saying it was only a brief disturbance and the show would
continue.

"Please Sir, Madam, you have to wait outside for a while. Let
these officers finish their job. There's nothing to worry about,"
one official said.

The moviegoers were asked to move to a nearby hall and wait
for the bomb sweep to be completed. Most appeared puzzled but
excited.

"What's happening inside? Is there a bomb? Wow, it's cool...
just like the movie we're watching," a group of teenage boys
said.

But others were less patient. "I don't want to miss the James
Bond show... gosh, I wish Bond was here," a young woman said to
her friend.

Police searched the theaters, upending chairs, checking behind
movie posters and looking in dumpsters, toilets and ornamental
flower pots. Metal detectors were used in the search, beeping
when they passed over a suspicious item.

After 45 minutes, the officers announced the result of the
search through the loudspeakers.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. We have been notified that there are no
suspicious things inside this building. The South Jakarta Metro
Police and military district command have already taken the
necessary precautions. The building is safe and I hope you...
continue to have a lovely Saturday night. Enjoy the show."

The crowd responded with a 30-second round of applause. (edt)