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Fri, 14 Aug 1998

JP/Main roads to be closed on Aug. 17

Main roads to be closed on Aug. 17

JAKARTA (JP): A number of streets around National Monument Square will be temporarily closed on Monday during flag-hoisting ceremonies on commemoration of the nation's 53rd Independence Day, an officer said yesterday.

Among the streets to be closed for the morning and afternoon flag-hoisting ceremonies at Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta are Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara, Jl. Veteran, Jl. Veteran 1, Jl. Veteran 2 and Jl. Veteran 3.

Part of Jl. Majapahit will also be temporarily closed, city police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang told the media yesterday.

According to Aritonang, the streets will be closed during the two ceremonies from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m..

The annual ceremonies will be led by President B.J. Habibie and attended by ministers, top brass of the Armed Forces, foreign envoys and relatives of the nation's heroes. Former president Soeharto, who led the ceremonies for over 30 years, is also expected to attend.

Traffic in the area will be rerouted. Motorists from Jl. M.H. Thamrin planning to go to downtown Kota will be directed to turn left at the water fountain-traffic circle at the end of Jl. M.H. Thamrin and pass through Jl. Budi Kemulyaan, Jl. Abdul Muis and Jl. Majapahit.

Those going in the opposite direction will be required to turn left after Jl. Hayam Wuruk and drive down Jl. H. Juanda, Jl. Pos, Jl. Gedung Kesenian, Jl. Banteng Utara, Jl. Banteng Barat, Jl. Pejambon, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur, Jl. Ridwan Rais, Jl. Prapatan and take a U-turn to Jl. Arief Rachman Halim and head back on Jl. Ridwan Rais before getting onto Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan.

Motorists from Jl. M.H. Thamrin heading to Pasar Baru or Senen will be directed to take a right turn at the same the fountain- traffic circle and drive down Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Jl. Silang Merdeka Tenggara, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur, Jl. Perwira and Jl. Kathedral.

But officer Aritonang suggested: "It would be wise to avoid the streets located near the palace unless you want to get dizzy looking for a way out."

Prior to the ceremony at Merdeka Palace, a solemn prayer and military parade will be held at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta from 10 p.m. Sunday until 2 a.m. Monday, the officer said. Police will close part of Jl. Pahlawan Kalibata and divert traffic around the location. (edt)