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.