Security tightened for democracy forum

Indah Setiawati ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Denpasar   |  Tue, 12/09/2008 11:43 AM  |  The Archipelago

The Indonesian Military (TNI) has pledged to provide maximum security protection for heads of state and high ranking officials from Asia-Pacific countries attending the first Bali Democracy Forum at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Nusa Dua, Bali this week.

Udayana Territory Military Commander Maj. Gen. Hotmangaradja said his force remains vigilant to the threat of terrorism and is prepared for the worst case scenario.

"We are fully alert to terrorism and really don't want a third Bali bombing to happen. Maybe no serious threat has been reported, but we assume that there is one," he told reporters at the sidelines of an afternoon rally calling for readiness, held in Puputan Margarana square in Renon, Denpasar, on Saturday.

He said some 3,600 soldiers, from two battalions, would be deployed to back up police and help maintain security during the forum, which will discuss the development of democracy in participating countries.

"We won't wait for an attack to happen. We are now maximizing our efforts and searching for those who may threaten the security on the island," he said, adding that security preparations were 90 percent completed.

Hotmangaradja instructed his soldiers to stick to the VVIP's standard operating procedures and not neglect anything.

Ngurah Rai airport, the Grand Hyatt Hotel and the Udayana University will be under tight security, he said.

Although the forum will be attended mostly by foreign ministers, some heads of state are scheduled to take part, including Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is expected to open the workshop.

"Around five heads of state are expected to come. Australia's prime minister, the King of Brunei Darussalam and Timor Leste's president have confirmed they will participate," Hotmangaradja said.

"Building and Consolidating Democracy; A Strategic Agenda for Asia" will be the theme of the Bali Democracy Forum, which has been organized by the Indonesian Ministry for Foreign Affairs. It aims to provide a forum for official participants to share their experience on the development of democracy in their countries.

The results of the workshop and discussion will not be binding but will provide knowledge and information for each participating country, director-general for information and public diplomacy at the Foreign Ministry, Andri Hadi, said.

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.