Mortars, ammunition found near consulate

Indra Harsaputra and ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya

Six mortars and hundreds of bullets dating back to the Dutch occupation era were unearthed on Tuesday in the empty Graha Wismilak compound, just 50 meters from the U.S. consulate.

"There is nothing to worry about," said a local police officer, saying the weapons were not linked to terrorism.

Construction workers discovered the mortars while moving soil at the site with heavy equipment.

The bomb squad was called and cordoned off the area.

Six 40-centimeter-long mortars and hundreds of bullets, each 54 millimeters in diameter, were found at the site. The police are investigating the case.

Marybeth Polley, public affairs officer at the U.S. consulate, said the consulate remained open as the weapons were not dangerous.

Graha Wismilak was the former headquarters of the South Surabaya Police. The building was also once used by a Dutch general to store rifles seized from Surabaya freedom fighters.