 |
Security Beefed Up for Assembly Session in Indonesia
At least 28,270 security personnel will be deployed to safeguard the Indonesian capital during next month's annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), according to National Police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo.
"The figure is for a stage one security level. The number will be doubled if the situation reaches an emergency level," he was quoted by national newspapers Wednesday as saying.
The police chief said the security forces guarding the MPR session will comprise police, the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and People's Security (Kamra).
He admitted that the political tension in the country, particularly in the capital, was rising.
"If the situation escalates into mass unrest or riots, all of the security forces will be deployed," he added.
Separately, Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu asked the country's political elite not to encourage their supporters to travel to the capital during the Assembly session.
"Political leaders should understand that mobilizing the masses would only cause trouble here," he said.
Ryamizard was optimistic the police and TNI could control the situation and maintain security and order in the city.
The MPR annual session takes place here from August 7 to 18.
In This Section
|