People around Kuta, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua in Badung regency have been asked to stay calm Sunday morning, when Bali Police and Udayana Military Command will conduct joint drills in the areas in preparation for possible terrorist attacks.

The drills are planned in response to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's request to react to recent terrorism attacks, such as the well-coordinated one in Mumbai, India, in which 172 people died, Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Hotmangaradja Pandjaitan said.

The police and military squads will execute simultaneous simulations in three hotels -- Hard Rock, Intercontinental and Westin.

"Bali is certainly a potential target for terrorism but I confirm that there is currently no real terror threat for Bali," Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Teuku Ashikin Husein told reporters.

"We want people around the drill locations not to worry or be scared, because it is just for practice."

He said the drills would involve different kinds of terror scenarios that would involve cooperation between police, soldiers and officers of the Bali administration.

"If the terrorists carry heavy guns and bombs, the military will deploy an anti-terror squad to knock them down. The administration officers will call the firefighters and call the ambulances and send them to the hospitals, while the police will take care of the legal action," Husein said.

He said the police and military would each deploy a helicopter and anti-terror squads during the drill, during which there will be some explosions.

Police will temporarily close some streets heading to the three locations and redirect traffic to help the drill run smoothly.

The streets to be temporarily closed include Jl. Legian, Jl. Melasti, Jl. Tegal Wangi and Jl. Pantai Kuta, all near the Hard Rock Hotel.

The Uluwatu three-junction, Kedonganan market intersection, Four Season three-junction and Kali intersection, which lead to the Intercontinental Hotel on Jl. Uluwatu, will also be blocked.

Security at the Nusa Dua entrance will be tightened and the intersections near a roundabout that leads to the Westin Hotel will be closed.

Hotmangaradja said the simulation demonstrated the deep concern of the police and military about the overseas terrorism attacks and would not let it happen in Bali.

"Although the drill is taking place in only three places, we will maintain security around others, including religious sites, crowded areas and tourism sites," he said.

He said his intelligence officers were continuing to monitor and report on the situation in the island.

Such drills will become more frequent in 2009, with programs and funding currently in preparation, he added.

Popular

Indonesia not affected by Southeast Asia-wide heat wave: BMKG

Residents fear for safety as Mount Ruang volcano erupts

In defense of Indonesian democracy