Jakarta on top alert over terrorist acts
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Jakarta leaders agreed on Tuesday on joint measures to boost security here and called for heightened public alertness amid rising concern over security in the aftermath of the Bali carnage that claimed almost 200 lives, Governor Sutiyoso said.
"Following the Bali bombings, also as part of preparations ahead of the fasting month of Ramadhan, we shall do our utmost to uphold security by preventing similar incidents from occurring here in the capital," Sutiyoso said.
The governor was speaking after chairing a meeting of city leaders to discuss security following the Bali bombings and in anticipation of the upcoming Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan.
The closed-door meeting was attended by all heads of city administration agencies, as well as the Jakarta military and police, including Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara and Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. M. Yahya.
Sutiyoso said security would be increased at embassies and property belonging to foreign interests, as well as public places, such as markets, entertainment centers and shopping malls.
"We shall put in place an early detection system in public places, including bus terminals, railway stations and airports, to prevent acts of terrorism in the city," he said.
He said the management of public places would be required to use metal detectors and bomb detectors to minimize the likelihood of any attack on their buildings.
"We call on the public to uphold security in the city by reporting any suspicious material, activity, or even people to security officials nearby," he said.
"The police cannot ensure the security of every square meter of the city, given the human resource constraints. That's why we call on the public to uphold security through their civilian security officers," said Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam.
Anton revealed that the police and owners of shopping centers, hotels and malls had met on Monday evening at Aston Hotel to discuss the commitment to tightening security within their own areas.
Anton said the owners were entitled to implement their own policies on security in accordance with their situation.
However, Anton said, police would still provide help if needed, especially if civilian security personnel found any suspicious materials or incidents that could possibly threaten security in the capital.
"Besides, they (security officers) have received training from police antiterrorist personnel on how to handle a bomb threat made either via a phone call or suspicious package," Anton said.
A bomb scare occurred at noon on Tuesday at Chase Plaza, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. A bomb disposal team of eight police personnel failed to find any explosives, while all employees working there were evacuated from the building at 2 p.m.
Several public places in Jakarta tightened their security on Tuesday following police warnings about possible attacks.
Security manager of Plaza Indonesia, Central Jakarta, Hasibuan, M.S., told The Jakarta Post that his security officers were ready to carry out the measures necessary to ensure security inside as well as outside the building.
"As you see, besides cameras, we are using metal detectors and search all vehicles on entry," said Hasibuan.
Hasibuan revealed that he had also briefed janitors and office boys to assist by reporting any suspicious materials or people to the nearest security post.
Similarly, Plaza Senayan, South Jakarta, tightened its security by searching all vehicles entering the premises.
"We've intensified our security searches in the aftermath of the Bali bomb blasts. However, no additional security forces have been deployed thus far," said Ani, a manager at Plaza Senayan.
Ani added that the Bali incident had resulted in a sharp drop in the number of visitors going to the mall.