KPU, police discuss election security

KPU, police discuss election security

JAKARTA: A delegation from the General Elections Commission
(KPU) met National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar on Wednesday
to discuss security arrangements for the 2004 elections.

KPU deputy chairman Ramlan Surbakti told reporters after the
meeting at National Police Headquarters that the talks were
focused on plans to secure and monitor the elections across the
country.

"The police will deploy its officers up to the district level
to prevent possible crimes during the election," he said.

Indonesia will hold the first direct elections to decide the
new legislative members and a president. The general election
will take place on April 5, 2004, followed by a two-phased
presidential election between June and August of that year.

Analysts have predicted that the new system would create more
security threats before, during and after the elections.

KPU was represented by chairman Nazarudin Syamsuddin, Ramlan
and commission members Chusnul Mar'iyah and Anas Urbaningrum
during the meeting with Da'i. -- JP