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