U.S. closes missions in RI after threat

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Surabaya

The United States closed indefinitely all its diplomatic missions in Indonesia on Thursday due to a security threat as police warned of an increase in activity by known terror suspects, who are roaming free in the country.

A police truck and two armored personnel carriers were parked in front of the U.S. Embassy on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan.

Heightened security measures were also visible at the U.S. consulate in Surabaya and its consular offices on Bali and in Medan.

Dozens of heavily armed Mobile Brigade police officers stood on alert in front of the U.S. consulate in Surabaya. Around 20 people who arrived at the consulate for scheduled visa-related interviews expressed disappointment over the closure, which took effect without any prior notice.

The closures come during a high-profile visit of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to Washington.

"The embassy reminds all Americans that the terrorist threat in Indonesia remains high," was all the U.S. embassy said on its website (www.usembassyjakarta.org). "Attacks could occur at any time and could be directed at any location, including those frequented by foreigners and identifiably American and other Western facilities or businesses in Indonesia."

In response to the precautionary measures by the U.S., Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla said they were a result of threats received via e-mail and cellular phone.

"I have consulted with the security minister on what happened ... This is merely information that has been spread via e-mail and cellular phones, and which was later intercepted by American intelligence," Kalla explained.

"We can understand (the closures). America has been greatly affected by terrorism. But it should be understood also that our security forces are doing their best to cope with the threat."

Kalla dismissed speculation that the threat was linked to those who did not like to see President Susilo visiting the U.S.

Police said they had also beefed up protection at British, Australian and Japanese embassies after the U.S. closed its four missions in Indonesia.

National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said intelligence reports had pointed to another strike.

"The analysis of intelligence shows to us that there are preparations being made for another attack ... but the target is still uncertain. There has been communication among them to conduct an attack," Da'i told reporters.

He was referring to Malaysian bombmakers Azahari bin Husin and Noordin Moh. Top, who are widely considered to be the bombmakers behind a series of bombings in Indonesia in the past three years.

Da'i said he had also obtained information that Azahari and his group had a plan to launch an attack on a number of oil refineries in Kalimantan.

Separately, the House of Representatives demanded that foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda, who is with Susilo in Washington, summon the U.S. Ambassador so he can explain the threats that had resulted in the closures. One lawmaker stated that the decision "hurts" international confidence in Indonesia.