Police to safeguard money withdrawal

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)