Police install 23 CCTVs to up security

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 10/08/2007 8:30 AM  |  National

Ary Hermawan and Alit Kertaraharja, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Buleleng

Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Paulus Purwoko said the force had installed 23 hidden closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in several critical areas of the island to help boost security ahead of and during the 2007 Idul Fitri holidays.

""I hope the devices will help our officers in the field,"" Purwoko said Saturday after addressing a parade of police officers taking part in the Ketupat Agung Operation at the Puputan Margarana Square, Renon, Denpasar.

The Bali Police will deploy a total of 2,200 personnel as part of the operation, which is specifically designed to provide security during the upcoming religious celebration.

The CCTVs have been installed at Gilimanuk and Padangbai Port, ferry ports, which link Bali and Java and Lombok islands, respectively.

Cameras have also been placed at Ngurah Rai international airport, popular tourism sites and vital public facilities.

""We can now monitor all these places from headquarters,"" Paulus said.

Purwoko said the police had doubled security for this year's Idul Fitri celebration as it coincided with the commemoration of the 2002 Bali bombings on Oct. 12.

Bali is a predominantly Hindu province, but many Muslims now live on the island and normally return to their hometowns in Java and other places to celebrate Idul Fitri with their families.

At the same time, Bali will receive an influx of domestic tourists as many people use their Lebaran holidays to vacation on the island.

The Bali Police have therefore increased the number of traffic security posts along the main roads linking tourist destinations in the westernmost regency of Jembrana and similar spots in Denpasar and Badung regencies.

Separately, the Buleleng Police, who oversees the north coast of Bali, will heighten security in the tourism resort are of Lovina Beach, and the Banyuasri and Sangket bus terminals.

""As for Lovina beach, we are deploying personnel from all functional forces,"" said Buleleng Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Setyo Dwianto.

He said the police were being supported by the Land Transportation Agency, the Fire Department, the Red Cross and the traditional community guards of Pecalang.

Community clinics and hospitals along the north coast have also been told to be on alert.

Residents have also been told to report to community heads before leaving their homes for the holiday as conventional crimes, such as burglaries, often occur during Lebaran.

The Bali Police said there had been concern about a rising security threat following the Supreme Court's rejection of the final appeals by those convicted of the 2002 Bali bombings -- Amrozi bin Nurhasyim, Imam Samudra and Mukhlas.

""We are quite aware of the possible threats. For that reason, we have taken the necessary preventive measures,"" the Bali Police's Sr. Comr. A.S. Reniban said.

Paulus had previously said that the police were prepared for ""retaliatory"" terror attacks before and after the executions of the militants. The Attorney General's Office, however, has not yet specified any date for the executions, and has given Amrozi the chance to seek presidential clemency.

Paulus warned that there were at least 14 vulnerable spots along the island's coast through which terrorists would likely use to enter Bali. He declined to named the locations, but said that the police would impose additional security measures there.

People in the 14 locations have been told to report to the police if they come across anything suspicious.

""The role of the community is very important as we cannot monitor the entire coast,"" Reniban said, adding that the police would strengthen coordination with people living in coastal areas.

About 1,000 people are expected to gather at the Balinese People's Monument of Struggle on Oct. 11 to hold the Gema Perdamaian ceremony to commemorate the 2002 Bali bombings. The ceremony is being held earlier than usual to respect Muslims who will be celebrating the eve of Lebaran.

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