Indonesia to tighten air traffic security system

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)