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.