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Police apologize for closing Jl.M.H.Thamrin for anti-terrorism movie production
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The intersection in front of Sarinah departement store (right) and Djakarta Theater (left) on Jl.M.H.Thamrin was the place where a series of explosions and a gunfight occurred in January 2016. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)
F
ollowing complaints from road users over unusual traffic congestion in Jl.Sudirman-Jl.M.H.Thamrin area during weekend, National Police spokesperson Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto has issued an apology.
The police have spearheaded the production of a counterterrorism film, 22 Minutes, which is reportedly inspired by the Thamrin attack two years ago.
The production team has been shooting scenes involving critical explosions and a shoot-out at the intersection in front of Sarinah department store, prompting the closure of Jl.M.H.Thamrin during Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We wanted to show the real conditions of the scene [during the actual attack]. On behalf of the movie producer, I want to apologize [for the traffic jam],” Setyo said on Sunday.
He confirmed that the movie, which is directed by Eugene Panji and Myrna Paramita, is part of the police’s counterterrorism campaign.
The movie features actor Ario Bayu and is being financed by the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program of a company, Setyo said, without revealing its name.
(Read also: Sarinah intersection closed for film shoot)
On Jan. 14, 2016, Jakarta was rocked by multiple explosions, including one at a police post, and a subsequent gunfight in front of Sarinah between police and multiple assailants.
At least eight people, including four terrorists, were killed. Twenty-six others, including police officers, were injured.
National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, who led the Jakarta Police at the time, was lauded for the force’s swift actions. (wit)
