Shots fired at Australian Embassy

JAKARTA (JP): National Police detectives have said they have no leads on the identity of those responsible for firing shots on Monday evening at three empty offices of the Australian Embassy on Jl. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta.

"We have no idea who the shooters are. I can assure you, though, that we are doing our best to investigate this case," a police source said on Tuesday.

"We found a live bullet that hit the window of the third floor... it's being examined. It's already dented," he added.

He said at least 100 police officers had been deployed to patrol the embassy's compound around the clock.

National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Togar M. Sianipar said that since protesters began burning Australian flags outside the embassy compound, 100 officers from the Tebet Police subprecinct, as well as 80 people's security officers had been deployed to safeguard the compound.

"The problem is, the shooters used silencers. This is why, the officers on guard were completely unaware of the shooting," Togar said.

A city police report said the shots hit two windows, breaking one and almost shattering another.

City police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said: "The bullets hit two windows: Room number 321, the office of Mr. Tre, who holds a high-ranking post with Australian Interpol, and room number 420 of Mr. John Fischer... Mr. Tre's window was broken. (The window in Mr. Fischer's office) was nearly shattered."

Detectives at National Police Headquarters are investigating the security breach.

Counselor for Public Affairs at the Australian Embassy John Milne confirmed the shots.

"There was no serious damage," John told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday over the phone.

In response to Australia's vocal stance over East Timor, the embassy has been the site of daily anti-Australia protests. (ylt/03)