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Jakartans urged to remain calm amid high security alert
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Banten Police’ Gegana bomb squad members check vehicles at Serang alun-alun in Banten on Monday. The measure is aimed at securing the city following the Surabaya bombings in East Java. (Antara/Asep Fathulrahman)
J
akarta residents must not go into panic mode because the high security alert issued in the city was only aimed at police officers, an official said.
Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said Jakartans should go about their daily activities as per usual because the police would implement extra security measures to safeguard the city.
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said all important locations in the city would be guarded by about 36,000 joint personnel.
"The high security alert issued by the Jakarta Police chief is aimed at police officers to be vigilant," Argo said on Monday as quoted by kompas.com.
The alert was issued following several bomb blasts that hit Surabaya in East Java, which killed at least 14 people.
The police are often targeted by Islamist militants who believe that they are supporters of democracy and thus considered thogut (those who worship anything except Allah). The militants are seeking to establish a global caliphate.
"Please go about your activities as usual but be vigilant. With the help of the military, we will conduct large-scale patrols to throw a security blanket over Jakarta," Argo said.
Anies said Jakartans should not get caught up in the moment by spreading unverifiable news that might trigger panic across the city.
"We are on high alert but there is no problem in Jakarta. Everything is safe. We have to be vigilant and follow the latest developments. Security officials are ready to provide the best possible security," he added. (fac/vny)
