Troops ready to safeguard summit

Troops ready to safeguard summit

DENPASAR, Bali: At least 5,000 military and police personnel
are ready to safeguard the upcoming Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministerial meeting from Oct. 5 to Oct. 6,
and the ASEAN Summit from Oct. 7 to Oct. 8 in Nusa Dua, Bali.

"A few days ahead of the Summit, all troops will hold a joint
exercise here in Denpasar aimed at anticipating possible security
threats during the summit," Indonesian Military (TNI) chief of
general affairs Lt. Gen. Djamari Chaniago said on Monday.

He said the event would serve as a test for Indonesia to show
the world that the country is now safe and secure.

"If the leaders of the nations feel safe to attend the Summit
here in Bali and no security problem happens during the event,
this will certainly encourage other people to come to Indonesia,"
Djamari said.

Participating in the Summit are 14 presidents and prime
ministers of ASEAN member countries plus Japan, China, South
Korea and India.

Jet fighters, four helicopters, tanks, water cannons and other
high-tech equipment are in place to ensure the safety of the
VIPs. The Navy has also prepared seven warships to guard Bali
waters during the event. -- JP