B

ali is ready to host the 2014 United Nations Alliance of Civilization (UNAOC) Global Forum, slated to be held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), Nusa Dua, on Friday and Saturday, police and military officials have said.

The island is imposing tight security measures, including the deployment of warships, to ensure the event runs smoothly.

Thousands of Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel and police officers will be deployed to secure the sixth global forum, which is being held in the Asia-Pacific region for the first time.

Bali Police chief Sr. Comr. Albertus Julius Benny Mokalu said on Monday that security across the island would be tightened ahead of the international forum.

Benny said that security measures to safeguard the event had been well-prepared. '€œWe will implement the standard operating procedures of VVIP security, as the meeting will be attended by several heads of state,'€ Benny said after an inspection of preparations in Nusa Dua on Monday.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to officially open the global forum, which will be attended by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, foreign leaders, as well as prominent government and non-governmental
figures.

'€œWe will secure all of the forum-related activities, from arrivals at the airport, to routes to the hotels, including all the events. We have rehearsed to ensure nothing is missed,'€ he said.

Benny said that two-thirds of the Bali Police would be deployed to secure the event. '€œWe will also be backed by the TNI and National Police,'€ he said.

'€œWe are on alert for people who may plan to thwart the event,'€ Benny added.

Benny, however, gave his assurances that conditions in Bali would remain favorable for the event, as no threats had been made ahead of the event. '€œBut we have to remain alert,'€ he said.

During the event, Benny said, the customary community would also take part in safeguarding the island. Thus, the police and TNI would also be assisted by pecalang (Balinese traditional guards). He also warned against flying kites during the event, as security patrols would also be conducted in Bali air space.

TNI spokesperson Col. Inf. Bernardus Robert added that air and naval security would protect the area.

Six Navy warships will be placed around Bali, including KRI Soputan, KRI Weling and KRI Pulau Rimau. The Navy will also deploy the Helli Bell U-417, combat boat cataram, rubber boats, jet skis and sea riders.

The Indonesian Air Force has set up F16 fighter jets, two Sukhoi fighter jets and a Heli MI-35 at Ngurah Rai air base.

'€œWe have tight measures in place, including the positioning of snipers in strategic areas prone to threats,'€ Bernardus said.

Indonesia is privileged to host the forum, which brings together political leaders, the private sector and civil society to vigorously foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.