T

he Indonesian Navy says seven warships will be on hand to secure the ASEAN Summit which is slated to be attended by 15 heads of states from Nov. 17 to 19.

Five warships arrived in Bali as of Sunday and started to establish a secure perimeter in the waters of Nusa Dua, the main venue of the summit.

The Navy has also deployed three elite Kopaska frogman and underwater demolition units to Bali.

The combat divers, who have an extensive counterterrorism training, have been tasked with securing the shore near the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC) and the Bali International Convention Center (BICC).

Udayana Military Command chief Maj. Gen. Leonard said the deployments would maximize security throughout the summit.

“We will provide a maximum level of security in land, on the sea and on the air,” he said at on sidelines of an inspection of naval forces at Benoa harbor on Sunday.

According to the government’s standard operating procedures, the Indonesian Military (TNI) is the lead agency for security for any event involving the President or visiting heads of state.

The Udayana Military Command covers Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara.

The five warships currently in Bali are the destroyers KRI Karel Satsuit Tubun and KRI Slamet Riyadi, the KRI Kerapu and KRI Sura fast patrol boats, and the KRI Banda Aceh, an amphibious assault ship equipped with five helicopters, 22 tanks and 560 marines.

“The security arrangements for the summit involve the integration of the military and police forces. That’s why several police patrol boats have also been dispatched from the National Police headquarters in Jakarta to Bali. Here, they will carry out joint security operation with the Navy,” Leonard said.

The Navy would also secure the island’s major seaports. “Security arrangements have been out in place at Gilimanuk, Padangbai, Celukan Bawang and Benoa harbors,” he stated.

While patrols have already started, Leonard said security during the summit would be even higher.

“Several designated points in the area will be cleared of all activities, including fishing boats. We cannot completely close down the sea the way we do on land, but those several designated points must be cleared from all activities,” he said.

The TNI will also establish a no-fly zone over the summit area.

“Only individuals with ASEAN Summit identity cards will be allowed to enter the Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) area. Those without the proper ID, even members of security agencies, will be turned away,” he said, adding that Nusa Dua hotels had arranged special IDs for their guests and employees.

Public transportation vehicles and taxi will be prohibited from entering the area during the summit.

Separately, Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika and scores of provincial senior officials joined a prayer session to ask for blessings for the summit.

Held at the temple inside the governor’s official residence compound, the event was attended by some 200 people, including priests from all major temples in Bali.