'I am afraid of possible bomb threat'

'I am afraid of possible bomb threat'

The latest bomb blast at Soekarno-Hatta Airport has increased
people's awareness about security in the city, especially in
public places. Some residents have expressed their doubts about
the police's vigilance in uncovering bomb threats. Here is what
they told The Jakarta Post.

Rachmadi, 40, is a security officer at Gambir railway station
in Central Jakarta. He lives in Depok, West Java, with his wife
and four children:

I am definitely afraid of the possibility of a bomb exploding
at this railway station, especially after one went off at
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport a few days ago.

As a security officer, I have a moral responsibility to make
sure the surrounding area is safe here. In case there is a bomb
here, I will be one of those the public will blame.

Therefore, security officers and plainclothes police personnel
or military officers are on patrol to further secure the area
here. In addition, closed-circuit cameras here help us monitor
all visitors.

To be honest, I have to be more vigilant of the people that
come and go. What worries me the most is when I see unattended
packages left here.

From now on I will not assist anyone who wants to leave a
package or piece of luggage in my care for even just a little
while, except if it is someone I know well. I don't want to take
any unnecessary risks.

I'm not sure if the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) deserves to get
the blame for the recent blasts in Jakarta, because I believe
there are so many people out there who are disappointed with the
government and want to disrupt peace and stability.

In a way, I think police officers are not serious enough in
their efforts to foresee possible threats as many times the
terrorists are much smarter and can outwit the police force.

I am pretty sure that there will be another blast soon,
following the recent bombings in the country.

Dani, 36, sells magazines and newspapers at a newsstand at
Gambir railway station in Central Jakarta. He lives in Pulomas,
East Jakarta, with his wife:

To be honest, I don't worry too much about the possibility of
bombs, because I put my faith in God, and only He decides death
and life.

I think the government should not necessarily link GAM to the
recent blasts as that's somewhat illogical. The bombs could have
been placed by ticket scalpers with a score to settle. They could
have lost out on income due to tough competition. Or, even
certain officers could have played a key role in disrupting the
security for their own benefit. It is difficult now to separate
the good from the bad.

I think the government and the security forces are not
vigilant enough over the possibility of more bombs, regardless of
the number of blasts that have occurred over the years.

I'm skeptical about officers' commitment to beef up public
security. I wonder how civilians get access to weapons or
explosive materials and why the police always fail to curb this
problem.

I am sure that there will be another bomb sooner or later.
Just wait and see.

Azis, 23, is a parking attendant at a shopping center on Jl.
MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta. He is resident of Cengkareng, West
Jakarta:

Of course I am afraid of possible bomb attacks here after a
bomb went off recently near my work.

I think bombs could go off just about anywhere in the capital,
particularly in public places such as this.

I think police officers lack seriousness in exercising
vigilance and monitoring possible threats as terrorists are able
to get away with their plans without being detected by security
forces.

The only way to foresee terrorism is to be more vigilant in
situations. I should be extra careful when checking the cars
parked here and to report any suspicious characters to the local
authorities.

I think the recent blasts that have occurred in the city were
the work of terrorists who don't like to see peace in the city. I
don't have any idea whether the masterminds behind the blasts
were from a separatist movement, but, I am sure that there was
some kind of vested political interest behind the terrorism. I'm
also pretty sure that it will happen again somewhere, someday in
the capital.

-- Leo Wahyudi S