Police launch special security operations

JAKARTA: Jakarta police will start conducting "Ketupat" and "Lilin" 2001 operations on Thursday to ensure security ahead of the Islamic post-fasting holiday of Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year, officials said Wednesday.

The operations would include seizing ticket scalpers at bus terminals and train stations, according to Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam, a police spokesman.

Law enforcement authorities, he added, would also seize producers and distributors of firecrackers.

Police officials said they hoped people will cooperate by maintaining security in their own neighborhoods.

"Many houses will be temporarily vacated during the holiday season," said the police spokesman. "and therefore we urge people to set up a security system of their own."

Millions of Jakarta residents will leave the city for their home towns and villages for the celebration of Idul Fitri on December 16. --Antara