Jakarta told to tighten neighborhood security

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)