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."