Security beefed up ahead of holiday
Security beefed up ahead of holiday
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Security authorities have vowed to boost security in the
capital on the eve of Idul Fitri and Christmas holidays in
anticipation of a repeat of last year's Christmas bombing spree.
National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Friday that
police would intensify security at churches and mosques in the
coming holidays.
"I have also asked the public to inform the police if there
are places of worship without the presence of police officers. We
will provide the gear to help the police carry out their duties
during those days," Da'i said after attending a gathering at Vice
President Hamzah Haz's official residence in Jakarta.
He further said that the police would also increase their
intelligence activities to anticipate any possible violence
during the holidays.
A series of bombings rocked several churches here and other
major cities in the country on Christmas Eve last year. At least
15 people were killed and dozens were injured in the blasts.
Police have not yet been able to solve the case nor capture any
suspects.
Deputy Governor Abdul Kahfi said that Jakartans must be more
alert over the next few days, "especially after we received
intelligence information that certain radical groups will create
chaos on the eve of Idul Fitri." He did not name the groups.
City administration officials held an unscheduled meeting with
the police and military officials at City Hall on Friday to
discuss and organize anticipatory security efforts.
The plan to beef up security here includes the deployment of
16,500 personnel from the police and military and 2,500 public
order and civilian security officers from the city administration
to maintain security on the eve of Idul Fitri and before the
Christmas and New Year holidays. The officers will be posted at
places of worship and other strategic spots.
Jakarta residents have been asked not to be easily provoked to
join any riots occurring in the city.
Governor Sutiyoso had earlier urged residents not to conduct
takbir keliling (a parade during which participants chant praises
to Allah in vehicles around the city) to avoid any possible
unrest.
Idul Fitri, which is based on the lunar calendar, and
Christmas this year fall less than two weeks apart, with the post
fasting festival falling on Dec. 16.