Tight security for Phil Collins show
Tight security for Phil Collins show
JAKARTA (JP): Around 2,500 police and military personnel will be deployed to ensure there are no untoward incidents during the music concert of singer Phil Collins at Ancol Dreamland, North Jakarta, on Saturday night.
The security personnel will be led by the head of the Command & Operational Control Headquarters of the City Police, Col. Muhantojo.
The group will be deployed in such a way as to anticipate any possible outbreak of violence during the show, which is entitled "Phil Collins Live in Concert."
Speaking to The Jakarta Post yesterday, North Jakarta police chief Lt. Col. Edi Darnadi, a sub-group commander in the operation, said that the police and military personnel would be stationed at three different command posts.
"The first troops are assigned to guard the concert venue, the second to secure the huge parking lots and all nearby buildings, such as the deluxe Sea World and Fantasy World arena, and the third to guard all roads heading to and from the location," Edi said.
Security personnel at the third post would be stationed along Jl. RE Martadinata, Jl. Gunung Sahari and Jl. Mangga Dua Raya, he said.
"At such a music show a brutal riot can break out at any time; as has been seen in several places over the past few years, and caused a lot of material losses," he pointed out.
Therefore, he added, "this time we have to take strict precautions by doing our best in a bid to nip any possible riot in the bud."
A number of brutal riots have occurred in Jakarta during such mass gatherings, including football matches. The riots have usually ended with hooligans damaging buildings and cars.
In many cases, the main cause of the violent incidents appears to have been poor management on the part of the organizers.
On the night of Saturday, April 10, 1993, about 70 people were injured during the Metallica rock concert at the Lebak Bulus stadium in South Jakarta.
A large number of fans, who wanted to attend the concert but were disappointed when they found out the high price of the tickets, pillaged dozens of food stalls and stole or damaged a number of luxury cars.
Edi urged spectators at Saturday's Phil Collins concert to "be more patient in order to be able to enjoy a great performance by the world-famous singer in a safe and tranquil atmosphere."
The tickets, which are still available, are on sale for Rp 50,000 (US$22.60), Rp 100,000 ($45.20) to Rp 150,000 ($67.80). (bsr) Concert - Page 7