TNI Ready to Assist Police Secure Christmas

Jakarta (Antara) - Indonesian Military (TNI) is ready to assist the police in providing security during Christmas and New Year celebrations in Indonesia by deploying personnel in areas of worship to prevent terrorist activities. "We have offered assistance to the Indonesian police and are coordinating with the Indonesian Police Chief, the Health Ministry, and related ministries, which is led by the Security, Law and Politics Coordination Minister," stated TNI Commander General Moeldoko here on Wednesday. The assistance is focused on efforts to provide security to the Indonesian people stepping out for worship during the festival period. "The TNI soldiers are fully prepared to assist the police in order to maintain security," Moeldoko remarked. The Commander said military has coordinated with the Search and Rescue team, Medical team, and the fire brigade to be ready during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Previously, the Indonesian Police Chief General Sutarman announced the readiness of his personnel to secure the Christmas and New Year celebrations. "Police will conduct the "Candle Operation" to secure people and anticipate unwanted actions," Sutarman stated. The police plans to deploy at least 87,772 officers, comprising 944 personnel from the Polri Headquarters and 86 thousand from the Regional Police Headquarters in Indonesia to secure the 2013 Christmas celebrations. Sutarman added that the security personnel will guard streets, gas stations, places of worship, and recreational areas. "The police will detect and anticipate unwanted actions in main streets, gas stations, areas of worship, tourism spots, and recreational places. We will establish security posts to secure and avoid commotion in the area," Sutarman said. (*)