Neighborhood security system

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has urged city residents to improve security in their residential areas in a bid to help fight disturbances, particularly riots and burglaries.

Sjafrie said in a statement yesterday that the system was also aimed at improving people's alertness to face the rising number of groundless rumors.

He said that if rioting erupted, residents, especially males, should gather under the coordination of the neighborhood chief. They should arm themselves with sticks and flashlights.

"It's better for the residents to divide themselves into three groups: the first group is in charge of closing the housing complex's gates, the second in charge of driving away rioters and handing over those caught to nearby military or police stations and the last group to safeguard other residents, especially women and children, and housing facilities," he said.

The neighborhood chiefs are required to immediately report the incidents to the local alert post or nearby security offices through toll-free phone number 122.

After the rioting, residents should continue to look after their neighborhoods, clean up the litter and repair damages caused by the riots.

Sjafrie said these steps could also be applied by the residents to counter threats of robberies or burglaries. (jun)