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n anticipation of Idul Fitri holidays, police have tightened security at a number of vital entries points to prevent the island from any possible disturbances, including terrorist attacks.

Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Sutisna said during his visit to Padang Bai in Karangasem, around 60 kilometers east of Denpasar, on Tuesday, that Ngurah Rai International Airport and two harbors, Gilimanuk in West Bali and Padang Bai in East Bali were the main targets.

Gilimanuk harbor links Bali and Java, while Padang Bai connects Bali with Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara.

"We want to ensure the safety and comfort of people who want to travel home for Idul Fitri holidays, which falls on Sept. 21 and 22," said the police chief.

Thousands of people return home for Idul Fitri holidays, locally known as the mudik tradition. They usually flock to bus stations, airports and harbors a few days before the holidays. "The Bali Police will deploy 1,550 personnel to safeguard the island," Sutisna said.

The 1,550 personnel include those from the Densus 88 antiterrorism unit and the Mobil Brigade department. "Bali plays an important role in the country as it is a major tourist destination.

We have to carry out extra measures to anticipate any security problems, from petty crimes to terrorism," he added.

According to Eko Yulianto, an operations manager at Padang Bai harbor, the number of passengers heading to Lombok island through Padang Bai was likely to increase by 10 percent this year as compared to 2008.

In 2008, the Padang Bai arbor management recorded 6,304 ferry passengers, and 1,605 vehicles crossing the Lombok Strait. "We plan to increase the number of ferry crossings from 21 to 24 trips a day," Yulianto said.

Currently, Padang Bai harbor operates 19 passenger and cargo ferries. It takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes to travel from Padang Bai harbor in Karangasem in Bali to Lembar harbor in Lombok.

"We expect that we can accommodate the increasing number of passengers," Yulianto said.

However, Yulianto said that natural forces like strong winds and big waves could occur during the holiday period. "It would be difficult for a ferry to make the trip in such a condition," he said.

Meanwhile, Gilimanuk harbor management in West Bali, some 100 kilometers west of Denpasar, confirmed that it was for the Idul Fitri holiday.

Ospar Silaban, the operational manager of Gilimanuk harbor, said the management had added two more ferries for the coming holidays. Currently, it operates 24 ferries. Silaban also said that some parts of the harbor were currently undergoing major renovations.

"We hope the renovation projects will be finished a few days before Idul Fitri," he said.

Police chief Sutisna said that he would deploy 200 police to safeguard Gilimanuk harbor.

"We will tightly monitor people leaving and entering Bali during the peak season," Sutisna said.