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)