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Police step up security ahead of Independence Day
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National Police officers examine the scene of a suicide bombing at the Kampung Melayu bus terminal in East Jakarta on May 24. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)
T
he police have stepped up their vigilance following reports of possible terror threats by the Islamic State (IS) network aimed at personnel deployed to secure the celebration of Indonesia's Independence Day next week.
National Police spokesperson Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto said the force had detected a plan by IS-affiliated Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) to launch attacks against police personnel on Aug. 17, which was circulating in a group chat on messaging application Telegram.
The terror network has called on its members to launch attacks using any means, from throwing home-made bombs, shooting and stabbing, to driving cars into groups of police personnel, he added.
"We have been alerted about the plan [...] our chief has instructed all police personnel to increase their vigilance when they are on duty," Setyo told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
In a message circulated via Telegram, the JAD network called on its followers to attack groups of National Police and Indonesian Military personnel deployed to secure public places and those attending public ceremonies during Independence Day.
The group chat described security personnel as thoghut (infidels).
The May 24 bomb attack in Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta, was the deadliest attack on police in years, killing three police officers. (ebf)
