Indonesian Independence Day to be Celebrated Amid Heavy Security

Jakarta (Antara) - Jakarta Regional Police will deploy some 3,332 personnel to ensure security during the 68th Indonesian Independence Day celebrations on Saturday. "From Friday through Sunday, Police will implement various security measures to guarantee the safety of those celebrating the Independence Day," said Senior Commissioner Rikwanto, Public Relations Head of Jakarta Regional Police, here on Friday. He revealed that the police will monitor the security situation in various places, such as at Merdeka Palace, Hero's Cemetery in Kalibata, House of Representative Building, National Monument (Monas), and the expo in Kemayoran. On Friday, at least 807 Jakarta Regional Police officers and 217 Central Jakarta Resort Police personnel were seen guarding the Plenary Session held at the House of Representatives. Some 509 Jakarta Regional Police officers will provide security during the moment of silence at Kalibata Hero's Cemetery on Saturday, while 1,117 police personnel will be stationed at Merdeka Palace during the flag hoisting ceremony. "The Cultural parade in Monas will take place under the watchful eyes of 209 security personnel, while 417 police personnel will stand guard at the cultural expo in Kemayoran," Rikwanto said. He noted that the Presidential Guard will be in charge of monitor security within the first ring of Merdeka Palace, while the police will guard the area inside the second ring. Police have also kept at the ready emergency guards to deal with protests and rallies during the Independence Day celebrations, he added. (*)