Indonesia to tighten air traffic security system

JAKARTA (JP): Following the terrorist attacks in the U.S., a senior minister said here on Thursday that Indonesia would tighten air traffic security.

"Learning from the tragedy in the United States, we'll tighten our air traffic security. This will include strict inspection of passengers and improving security equipment at the airports," Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told the media.

"We're coordinating the plan with the transportation ministry, the National Police, and other relevant institutions. We hope that with such measures we'll be able to keep our country safe from international terrorism," Susilo said after chairing a special meeting on political and security affairs at his office.

Present at the meeting were Minister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda, State Minister for Communications and Information Syamsul Mu'arif, Minister of Home Affairs Lt. Gen. Hari Sabarno, and the Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo A.S.

Susilo also said that the government would establish regional cooperation to prevent terrorist attacks. "We realize that international terrorism is a transnational crime, which requires regional cooperation," he said.

"We have a strong commitment to combat international terrorism," Susilo asserted, adding that the government had instituted cooperation on maritime security with neighboring countries Malaysia and Singapore, as well as Japan.

Asked whether the government would support the U.S. should the latter declare war on terrorism by launching a military operation, Susilo said: "Indonesia's stance in this regard should reflect the people's aspirations. Since this is a sensitive issue, I cannot reveal that stance right now."

When asked whether the meeting had also recommended that President Megawati Soekarnoputri cancel her visit to the U.S., Susilo said: "We're still consulting about this matter with the U.S. government."

Hassan Wirayuda had earlier said that the government might consider an extradition agreement with neighboring countries as part of the effort to combat terrorism.

"Other components under consideration for tackling terrorism include information exchanges, as well as network building," Hassan said. (tso)