Police to deploy snipers in Matraman

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police will soon deploy 15 snipers in the Matraman area of East Jakarta to prevent fresh brawls in the riot-prone area, an official said on Monday.

"The snipers will be equipped with rubber bullets to prevent more brawls in the area," East Jakarta mayor Andi Mappaganty told reporters at City Hall.

"We have intelligence reports saying that certain parties want to ignite the Matraman area as the starting point for a bigger conflagration in the city," he said without elaborating.

Residents of Kebon Manggis and Palmeriam subdistricts in Matraman have been at loggerheads for about 30 years.

Andi said he had asked the residents to heighten their awareness about the possible presence of provocateurs.

"Residents should not be emotional in settling their disputes. There are people who want to take advantage of the residents' rivalry," he said.

"They (residents) have started to understand the situation and restrain their emotions. I'm sure they don't want to have their neighborhoods burned and destroyed," he added.

Repeated clashes between the warring residents have resulted in the burning and destruction of a number of buildings as well as vehicles.

Secretary to the Jakarta Police information bureau Asst. Supt. Alex Mandalika, however, was not available to confirm the planned deployment of snipers. (nvn)