Jakarta Police tighten security in capital

JAKARTA. The Jakarta Police say they have tightened security in the capital in light of warnings about possible terrorist attacks.

“We have put in place tight security procedures to preempt terrorist threats, which are much anticipated,” Moreover, we have received an early warning regarding terrorist attacks from the [National] Intelligence Agency,” Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono said on Tuesday.

In light of the threat, Awi added, the police had implemented layered security checks at several key locations, such as houses of worship and tourist sites. They have also deployed hundreds of police officers to such locations.

At Istiqlal Mosque the police are set to deploy 243 personnel to ensure security during Idul Fitri prayers on Wednesday morning, Awi said. Officers will set up metal detectors at the mosque’s entrance gates.

Meanwhile, Awi said, tourist sites that the police would focus on included Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta, Ancol amusement park in North Jakarta and Kota Tua in West Jakarta. Security will be enforced in the areas from the first until the third day of Idul Fitri.

“Terrorism can happen anywhere. If you see something or someone suspicious, please report it to the nearest police station,” Awi said, adding that residents should be more cautious following Tuesday’s Surakarta bombing. (Agnes Anya)