Overnight operation nabs 631 people

JAKARTA (JP): City police arrested 631 people, including 65 women and eight transvestites, in a massive overnight security- and-order operation in Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi on Thursday.

Head of the City Police Operation Center for Command and Control, Col. Muhantojo, said yesterday that the people arrested are residents without legal identification cards, suspected prostitutes, hoodlums, unlicensed alcohol sellers and users and suspected criminals.

Of the number, 76 were detained after an intensive questioning session for illegally possessing sharp weapons, guns and drugs.

The others suspected of committing minor violations will be handed over to the city's social agency and then be sent to their hometowns.

The people were arrested in an operation, codenamed Operasi Kilat Jaya Emas, launched to clean up the city before the upcoming anniversary of the 50th Indonesia Independence Day on Aug. 17. (bsr)