"I have ordered the National Police chief, the National Defense Forces chief, and the BIN chief to maintain and control security and prioritize the spirit of brotherhood and social harmony as we enter the fasting month tomorrow," the president stated at the Merdeka Palace here on Wednesday.
The president made the remarks at a plenary meeting attended by Vice President Jusuf Kalla and ministers of the working cabinet.
"By doing so, we hope Muslims can perform fasting with a full sense of security and tranquility," he added.
The presidential instruction came after a series of bomb attacks hit three churches and a city police station in Surabaya and a flat in Sidoarjo, East Java, killing at least 18 people and injuring dozens.
In Riau Province, the police confirmed that they had shot dead four terrorists attempting to attack the Riau Police Headquarters in the provincial capital of Pekanbaru on Wednesday.
The head of state further asked ministers and heads of non-ministerial government institutions to ensure that the country remains safe and the government focuses on working.
"I ask all ministers and heads of institutions to explain to the international community that Indonesia is safe and we all focus on working together," he pointed out. (*)
