Bogor, W Java (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here Friday he did not want to be guarded too tightly that he could get more freedom to interact with the people.

"I, personally, actually want the security for me not to be exercised too tightly," he said at a function to mark the the presidential security force`s (Paspampres) service day here.

With less tight security, he said he could get closer to the people when making working visits to various parts of the country, including shaking hands and taking pictures with them.

President Yudhoyono said he was also unhappy if all roads passed by the presidential vehicles in convoy were closed.

Instead, the head of state said he wanted the public to remain able to pass the roads along with the palace convoy.

He said what he wanted was a challenge for all members of the Paspampres. He demanded that they get more flexible but remain able to secure the president`s safety.

Apart from his demand, he did understand about the Paspampres` working procedures for minimizing any failure, President Yudhoyono said.

At the occasion, he also called on the Paspampres to provide optimum security for all the foreign leaders who would come to Indonesia for an ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit later this year.

"This is an important task. You must not fail. The ASEAN and East Asia summits must take place with maximum security and without any disruption," the President said.

As the ASEAN and East Asia summits` host, Indonesia had to provide the leaders of all participating countries with the best possible services, including security, he said.

Therefore, the President asked the Paspampres to prepare themselves well for their duties during the ASEAN and East Asia summits which were to be attended by the heads of state or government of ASEAN`s 10 member countries and those of countries outside ASEAN.

The Paspampres should prepare the personnel assigned to protect and secure all the dignitaries participating in the two summits, he said.

The East Asia Summit was to be attended by the leaders of Southeast and East Asian countries as well as those of the US, Russia and India, the President said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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