City ready for Xmas security

JAKARTA: Head of the Jakarta Public Order Agency, Harianto Badjoeri, said on Wednesday that the agency would deploy three fourths of its total personnel or 3,000 officers to help police protect the city during the Christmas and new year period.

"We have asked subdistricts to register places of worship and venues for Christmas celebrations to determine how many officers will be stationed at those venues," Harianto said at City Hall.

He said that the officers would also work together with youth groups in the community, including church youth groups and mosque youth groups.

Security concerns are high this year in the light of recent terrorist attacks. Five churches in the city were bombed on Christmas Eve in the city in 2000 killing four people.

Intelligence officials have also warned of terrorist attacks around Christmas and New Year's Day. --JP