Jakarta told to tighten neighborhood security

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso has called on Jakartans to celebrate the country's upcoming 53rd Independence Day as usual but to tighten security in their neighborhoods.

Speaking to reporters at the City Hall after meeting with high ranking city officials, Sutiyoso said people should commemorate Aug. 17 by holding games and events like in the past.

But he added that residents should remain vigilant because crime had been on the rise in the city in recent weeks.

He suggested that Jakartans from all walks of life should together improve their neighborhood security watches before the day comes around.

"We urge all Jakartans... to strengthen their security systems. This year is different from previous years," Sutiyoso said.

He drew attention to the escalating number of street rallies and outbreaks of looting which have occurred in the city.

"Because of the present situation people must be more vigilant," he said.

Jakartans have for many years marked Independence Day by staging traditional games such as climbing greased areca palm stems with prizes stuck to the top of it.

The gifts are usually bought with money collected by local communities.

Hotels and entertainment centers often hold special parties and the city administration organizes bazaars, exhibitions and a parade of floats to mark the occasion.

Sutiyoso did not disclose the city's plans for this year's Independence Day celebrations.

"We hope people will mark the event like they have always done in the past, but without neglecting security," he said.

The governor did not disclose whether his calls to remain vigilant had anything to do with rumors of possible riots on Aug. 17 which have been circulating in the capital since last week.

Sutiyoso said the neighborhood security watch system would be coordinated by city police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman.

Aug. 17 activities and security in certain areas would be under the supervision of police or military officers or specially appointed local civilians, he said.

He said the existing neighborhood security watches set up by many Jakartans after the May riots, were still not as effective as they could be.

"Up to now neighborhood security watches have been carried out in a very perfunctory way," he said.

Separately, the Tangerang administration announced yesterday that it would organize socially beneficial activities to commemorate this year's Independence Day.

"Due to the economic situation we will only organize events that will help people such as distributing free staple food to the needy and circumcising poor children for free," Tangerang Regent Agus Djunara told Antara.

He said that traditional events like climbing areca palm stems and sack races would be less beneficial. (ind/bsr)