Bali Police Deploy More Security Guards for Miss World Pageant

Negara, Bali (Antara) - Bali Police deployed more security guards at Gilimanuk Seaport, Jembrana District of Bali Province, to provide security for the Miss World 2013 Beauty Contest being held at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC). "We added more security personnel and are coordinating with the Chief of Ketapang Waters Sector Police in Banyuwangi E Java to increase security alerts," said Chief of Gilimanuk Waters Sector Police Commissioner Made Prihenjagat here on Saturday. Prihenjagat said the additional security officers deployed since last Monday, which previously only 20 officers, has brought to 52 officers being supplied by Gilimanuk Waters Sector Police, Jembrana Resort Police, Brigadier Mobile and the Indonesian Army (TNI AD). Prihenjagat said the security personnel are inspecting each vehicle, all cargo and persons, particularly those who enter Bali, to prevent disruptions to the Miss World 2013 pageant. "Examinations of ID cards have also been tightened, with additional police assisting from Jembrana. We hope, by adding the security officers in Gilimanuk, that people who intended to perform criminal acts in Bali do not get in," he said. The officers also checked cargo vehicles by removing the cover tarps to ensure security is maintained on all goods. Meanwhile, officers asked passenger vehicles to pass through checkpoints guarded by Brimob and TNI AD in order to inspect luggage. "The event will improve Bali tourism's image, as well as the Indonesian people," Prihenjagat said. He also said that security officers have not discovered anyone threatening the event in Bali. "However, we will keep vigilant to the conditions, particularly at the gate to Bali. Current activities at the contest can be utilized by criminals to steal vehicles and perform other criminal acts," Prihenjagat said. (*)