Bombs, terror main threats to MPR Annual Session

Bombs, terror main threats to MPR Annual Session

Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Bombings and terrorism will be the top threats that must be
guarded against by the security forces in protecting the upcoming
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session.

Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara said after
a joint workout with Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso and Jakarta
Military commander Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso at the Bung Karno
Sports Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, that these had been
identified as the major threats following the recent blast at the
national legislative complex in Senayan on July 14.

"The situation now is different from that which prevailed
during last year's Annual Session, where rallies had the
potential to turn violent. That's why containing rallies and
demonstrations was our No. 1 security priority last year," he
said.

A low-explosive device went off at the national legislative
complex causing minor damage around the blast scene. No one was
injured.

"We have to be on alert as terrorists are on the loose among
us. The public across the city must help enhance security in
their own neighborhoods," Sutiyoso said.

Makbul said earlier that the police would impose a state of
red alert in the capital during the session, which runs from Aug.
1 to Aug. 10.

Under the state of red alert, the entire police force
amounting to over 20,000 personnel, including reserves, will be
deployed across the city. Police officers will also be prohibited
from leaving the city or going on leave.

A total of 1,300 personnel will be deployed around the
legislative complex and the Hotel Mulia Senayan, where MPR
members will be staying during the session.

Makbul said that all those attending the event would be
subject to security checks.

"MPR members, ministers and even generals, no exceptions at
all, will have to pass through the security checks before
entering the compound," he said.

The bomb blast at the legislative complex was the fourth bomb
attack in the city in recent months. In April, a device went off
in Departure Terminal F at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport,
injuring 11 people, while days earlier a bomb exploded on Jl.
Wahid Hasyim, Central Jakarta, behind the United Nations
Representative Office.

The first bomb exploded at the National Police headquarters in
February and it was committed by a police deserter.

Police have found a number of similarities in the type of
devices used in the bombings, including metal pipe containers,
the sort of batteries, and the pieces of conical metal packed
into the bombs so as to cause maximum casualties.

Although they earlier alleged that the separatist Free Aceh
Movement (GAM) was behind the bombings at the airport and near
the UN office, the police seem more reluctant this time around to
point the finger at who they believe was responsible for the bomb
at the legislative complex.