Police to safeguard money withdrawal

JAKARTA (JP): City Police will deploy thousands of its personnel to safeguard the massive deposit withdrawals by customers of the 16 liquidated private banks starting today, its spokesman said.

Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday that at least 10 officers would guard each of the 160 head offices and branches of the 16 banks.

"More officers will guard the state-owned banks appointed by the government to do the payouts, escort customers who ask for protection during delivery of the money, and patrol the city," he said.

Aritonang called for calm and asked customers not to panic and rush banks on the first day.

"Customers were given a 70-day period to withdraw their money. Why rush to the bank on the first day and struggle against hundreds of customers who are waiting to be served, if you can go later and do it in a more relaxed atmosphere?"

He also called for customers to transfer their money to other banks rather than take it in cash.

"But, if they must take it in cash, they should ask for police protection. We charge nothing for the escort," he said. (cst)