Bomb threats downplayed

SURABAYA: Surabaya Police chief Sr. Supt. Sri Kresno Tjokrobawono down played on Monday a slew of bomb threats in the city in recent weeks, saying there was no critical political gain in attempting to plant bombs there.

"There is no purpose to these threats, other than to raise anxiety among locals. Political issues here are not like in Jakarta," he told journalists.

In the latest scare, on Sunday, a caller informed an employee of fast-food restaurant McDonald's that in 30 minutes a bomb placed in a corner of the restaurant would explode.

But nothing happened and police did not find an explosive device.

Previous bomb scares have targeted the city's water facility, universities and train station.

Nevertheless, Sri Kresno urged owners of multistory buildings and strategic offices to install a telephone device which could monitor incoming calls.

"It's easier for us to track them that way," he said. (bby/nur)