Security beefed up at 51 points

Security beefed up at 51 points

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Police have increased security at 51 public areas in the capital
in order to prevent further terrorist attacks like the Aug. 5 JW
Marriott Hotel bombing.

"Whatever you say, whether or not we failed (to prevent the
Marriott bombing), we are doing our best. Right now, we are
upgrading security at 51 areas to prevent another attack," city
police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara said during a
discussion at the Millenium Sirih Hotel in Central Jakarta.

Makbul said police would reinforce security guards at public
places that could be potential terrorist targets.

The increased security comes after a warning from military
observer Juanda that there could be another bombing in the city
in retaliation for the arrest terror suspect Hambali in Thailand.

The government and the city administration have moved to
dampen the impact of the Marriott bombing on tourism. The
bombing, which killed 12 people and injured 147 others, was a
setback for the country's economy, which has slowly improved
since last year's Bali bombings that killed 202 people.

Makbul called on the public to help battle terrorism by
remaining alert for any suspicious activity in their
neighborhoods.

Separately, Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso
said the military would intensify security at 28 points across
the city.

"We will intensify security in Greater Jakarta, just as we did
during the People's Consultative Assembly's Annual Session and
the country's Independence Day celebration," he said after
installing Lt. Col. Achmad Yuliarto as the Central Jakarta
Military commander, replacing Lt. Col. Okta Hendarji.