Security troops drop into markets

JAKARTA (JP): The army conducted security drills yesterday in Greater Jakarta in preparation for the May general election.

Drills were conducted around Hotel Indonesia, the Senen Market, Central Jakarta, the downtown business centers of Jl. Gajah Mada and Glodok, as well as Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta and Blok M, South Jakarta.

At the Senen market, the sound of helicopters interrupted transactions as visitors and traders watched officers in black descending on ropes from helicopters.

Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso said the helicopters were needed to overcome Jakarta's traffic jams.

Training was important he said, while observing the drills in Blok M, "because we need to be sure there is no weakness on the part of soldiers in securing the election."

With helicopters, Sutiyoso said, a troop took only five minutes to get from Jakarta Military Command in East Jakarta to Blok M.

"If there was a riot here it could be immediately contained," Sutiyoso said.

The army units engaged in the maneuvers were from Jakarta, Tangerang and Bekasi.

At Senen, residents and visitors clambered to the Atrium roof to watch the activities on the market's rooftop.

Other traders and buyers peered from below.

Officers carrying rifles were deployed around the market during the operation from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. A few had time to ask the prices of wares such as belts.

Trucks carrying soldiers parked along Jl. M.H. Thamrin. as troops practiced on other buildings.

On Feb. 20 Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung inaugurated a 10,000-strong security unit to back up police officers securing the capital during the election. (anr/05)