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