Security tightened ahead of holidays

Security tightened ahead of holidays

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Authorities have tightened security across the country ahead of
the upcoming holiday season, deploying about 120,000 police
personnel to anticipate possible terrorist attacks and other
security disturbances.

National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Thursday that
police would place special attention on transportation facilities
during the holiday exodus.

"We have increased security at bus terminals, seaports and
airports, and provided bomb detector equipment at all
installations," Da'i said after a Cabinet meeting.

"VIP passengers also have to pass through the detector door
before entering planes, and we expect everybody to comply with
the security procedures," he added.

The country will celebrate Idul Fitri, Christmas, and the New
Year in the coming month, with the deadly Bali bombings
overshadowing preparations.

The minister for religious affairs will hold a meeting with
Muslim organizations on Dec. 4 to determine the exact time of
Idul Fitri, as it depends on the moon's position.

Millions of people are expected to return to their hometowns
to celebrate Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year with their
families.

Da'i said Thursday that police would be on full alert from
Nov. 28 through Jan. 7.

"Our main operation areas are securing the exodus routes along
Sumatra, especially Lampung, Java and Bali to help commuters and
other land transportation passengers," Da'i said.

He also said that police personnel would also focus on
security in housing complexes, which are often left unattended
during holidays.

According to Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun
Kuntjoro-jakti, about 13.1 million people would travel during the
holiday season.

The government had prepared hundreds of back-up buses, trains
and seven Navy warships to assist in the movement of the people.

Dorodjatun said food supplies would be sufficient throughout
the holiday season.

"We have ... rice stocks up to 1.96 tons, and other basic
commodities ready to anticipate the holidays," Dorodjatun said.

The government was prepared to conduct direct selling in
traditional markets should there be sharp price increases that
could burden the people, he said.

"We are preparing some 300 tons of rice for direct selling
with the price of Rp 2,800 per kilogram should there be a sharp
price increase in prices."