Djoko said a number of countries had already confirmed their plans to attend the upcoming Asean Summit. They included the United States, Russia and China.
Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government will guarantee the safety of the heads of state/government and UN secretary general during the 19th Asean Summit to be held in Bali next November, a senior minister said.

"We as the party responsible for national security will guarantee the safety of all the foreign dignitaries attending the summit in Bali," Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto said here Thursday during an inspection of the locations where the Asean Summit will take place.

The minister said he had received detailed information on the readiness of the local security agencies, namely the Bali provincial military command, the Bali provincial police, the Ngurah Rai Air Base and Benoa Naval Base commands, to ensure the summit`s security.

Djoko said a number of countries had already confirmed their plans to attend the upcoming Asean Summit. They included the United States, Russia and China.

He said although none of those countries had requested special security arrangements, his office had been coordinating with their security authorities.

"Although there has been no request for special security arrangements, they will follow their own security procedures. The Indonesian military (TNI) and Police headquarters have also been coordinating with them," he added.

He said although Bali was accustomed to the need for security preparations ahead of international events, his office deemed it necessary to take extra precautions for the Asean Summit as it would be attended by some world leaders.

On the possibility of terrorist activity during the summit, Djoko said security measures would be taken not only for the Asean Summit but also for events in other areas in the country. "This is the strategy to be implemented by the police . So, it is a must to make other places safe also".(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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