Surakarta beefs up security

SURAKARTA: Some 3,000 security officers from the military and police will be deployed to secure President B.J. Habibie's visit in Surakarta. He is slated to open the 16th National Games which start on Sept. 9.

"The troops will be deployed in all parts of the city and will be put on alert a day before the national event," Col. Heru Sudibyo, chief of Wirastratama Military district in Surakarta, said on Wednesday.

Tight security was ordered due to rumors that a huge demonstration might be staged to greet Habibie.

"We urge Surakarta residents to restrain themselves as there are indications of certain groups from Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Semarang and Jakarta which want to disrupt the event," Heru said.

Fifty supporters of the Democratic People's Party (PRD) staged a protest on Tuesday and urged residents to join a massive demonstration to greet Habibie on Sept. 9. The rally was to raise demands for an end to the military's dual function and to reject his candidacy in the upcoming presidential election.

PRD said such a protest could be staged by blowing horns, ringing bells and pounding bedug (drums played at mosques) besides joining the rally on the streets. (har/edt)