Security up near U.S. embassy

Security up near U.S. embassy

WASHINGTON (AP): The State Department said Friday Indonesian
authorities have stepped up security around the U.S. embassy in
Jakarta, giving hope that normal operations there can resume
soon.

The public services section of the embassy has been closed
since Oct. 24.

"We're constantly reviewing the security situation. We're
hopeful that circumstances will allow normal public operations to
resume," department spokesman Richard Boucher said.

The partial shutdown was ordered because of what was described
as a credible threat to the embassy compound.

Also, there have been repeated protests at the U.S. consulate
in Indonesia's second largest city, Surabaya.

In addition, American visitors to the city of Surakarta (Solo)
have faced demands from Islamic militants that they leave the
country.

Some of the anti-Americanism has been generated by U.S.
Ambassador Robert Gelbard, who has alienated some groups with his
calls for economic, political and economic reform.

Gelbard says those who oppose him are committed enemies of
Indonesia's democratically-elected government.

Gelbard returned to the United States this week on personal
business and will consult with department officials in Washington
on the situation at the end of next week.