Jakarta on top alert over terrorist acts

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.