Bandung Police on alert over rallies on SBY anniversary

The Bandung Police in West Java are preparing tight security in response to rumors that massive rallies will be held to mark the end of President Bambang Susilo Yudhoyono's first year of his second term in office Wednesday.

Bandung Traffic Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Sambodo Purnomo said Tuesday that there was information that masses were expected to depart to Jakarta on Wednesday.

Purnomo also said that the police were preparing to prevent people using motorcycles to go to Jakarta using toll roads, which are reserved for cars and bigger vehicles only.

“If the condition compels, we will close toll gates and also major roads,” he said as quoted by Antara.

Police are having difficulty Tuesday safeguarding rallies in Makassar, South Sulawesi, during Yudhoyono's visit in the province.