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.