City Police deploys 21,000 personnel

City Police deploys 21,000 personnel

JAKARTA: Jakarta Police have claimed it deployed a total of
21,000 personnel during the flooding, while the Jakarta Military
Command says it deployed around 500 personnel to help the police.

However, they have not been seen in the flooded areas,
specially by residents in need of help.

Adil, a resident in Manggarai, South Jakarta, said: "They only
appear when high-ranking officials visit the flooding areas."

Manggarai is one of the most destroyed neighborhood. Strong
water flows from the Ciliwung River inundated the area.

Police were also absent from many flooded streets at Kebon
Manggis in East Jakarta, Bukit Duri in South Jakarta and Cikini
in Central Jakarta.

Brig. Chief. Udin Sanurdin of Setiabudi police district said
police officers had been told helping motorists find alternative
streets free from water was the priority.

"We are also assigned to help ensure the security of deserted
homes along with locals," he said.

Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara said police
would carry out a shoot-on-sight policy on possible offenses
which might arise following the worsening situation.

Police also claimed to have provided 30,000 plates of rice for
distribution among flood victims. -- JP