Tangerang troops deployed for MPR

TANGERANG (JP): Seven companies numbering about 700 personnel from Tangerang-based joint-forces security troops will be deployed to help safeguard the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto said on Thursday that the troops would be stationed at gateways to Jakarta, such as Bitung, Kebon Nanas, Batu Ceper, Ciledug, Serpong and the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

He said at least one company of the Air Force's special troops (Paskhas) would be deployed to secure the international airport during the session, slated for October and November.

"Besides the special troops, there will be 60 personnel from the Tangerang Police and the aiport police unit will also participate in the assignment," Capt. Titik H. Valentina, the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police chief, said.

"If necessary, additional police or military officers will be available."

Meanwhile, airport police netted five alleged scalpers at the airport who were trying to swindle Indonesian workers returning from abroad.

The detained men were identified as Darwin, 35, Budi Iman S., 30, Zaini Yusuf, 34, Said, 33, and Arifin, 35.

"They were caught separately near the airport's gasoline station. The gas station employees said they didn't recognize the suspects or have any connection to them," Titik said. (41/edt)