TNI ready to protect Susilo in Papua

BIAK, Papua: The Indonesian Military (TNI) had readied some 1,600 personnel in Biak Numfor and Nabire regencies to provide security for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his entourage, who are set to visit the area on Friday and Saturday.

Chief of local military resort command, Lt. Col. Masrumsyah, said that a rehearsal had been held on Thursday morning and the troops were ready to protect the President during his visit.

The TNI, along with police personnel, will impose maximum security measures during the visit of President on the back of security threats by local rebels of the Free Papua Movement (OPM). -- Antara