Susilo makes impromptu visits to public places

JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono made impromptu visits on Tuesday to three public places in Jakarta, to ascertain people's sentiment about the recent bomb attacks and other criminal acts.

Susilo visited Pasar Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, Pulogadung bus station in East Jakarta and Glodok shopping center in West Jakarta.

"Actually, I want to visit more places as people are currently worried about bomb attacks, other acts of terrorism and street crime. We must help the police stop them," Susilo said during his visit to Pasar Tanah Abang.

"The criminal acts are usually committed in public places like bus stations, railway stations or shopping centers," Susilo said, adding that those crimes had always victimized the common people.

During his city tour, Susilo, who was accompanied by Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb, talked to members of the general public, including drivers, street vendors and ticket sellers, to find out their views on crime.

"Are you afraid of bomb attacks?," Susilo asked a bus driver named Umar in Pulogadung bus station.

"Yes, sir, I am afraid," the driver replied.

"Have you ever been told by anyone what to do if you receive or find a strange package that might contain a bomb?" Susilo asked him.

"I just read it in the newspapers, sir," the driver said.

Acknowledging the responses, Susilo told Sofjan to immediately create posters for public places explaining measures people should take when receiving or finding suspicious packages.

"I suggest that the posters should clearly explain to the public that they should avoid all suspicious packages. They must be clearly understood by the general public," Susilo said.

A series of bomb attacks have recently hit the capital city and several other major cities in Indonesia, including Yogyakarta in Central Java and Bandung in West Java.

The last bomb attack in Jakarta targeted the Atrium shopping mall in Central Jakarta, injuring several people, including Taufik Abdul Halim, alias Dodi, who has now become one of the suspects alleged to have been behind the bombing campaigns. Dodi is reportedly a Malaysian citizen.

When Susilo arrived at Glodok, in the Kota area, he asked electronics vendor Verens Awung whether she felt safe selling her merchandise.

"Yes, sir, the security officers do their job well," she replied.

"Do you have any message for President Megawati?", Susilo asked.

"Please tell her that we need peace and security. We also need the government to take us out of this economic crisis," she said. (tso)