"Of course, it must be guaranteed. There should be no disturbance, particularly at the embassies," Gen Pradopo said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian police have guaranteed the security of foreign embassies in Indonesia, according to National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo.

"Of course, it must be guaranteed. There should be no disturbance, particularly at the embassies," Gen Pradopo said here on Friday, in the wake of the US government`s decision to temporarily close its embassy and other missions in Indonesia in anticipation of mass rallies against anti-Islam film "Innocence of Muslims".

"The information about possible protests came from colleagues, but the services must go on and we will ensure that there is enough security. Everything must be carried out properly - the demonstrations as well as embassy operations," he added.

As per the existing law, demonstrators must inform the police three days before taking to the streets.

"The police should then decide how the rally will be carried out so there is no danger for the demonstrators, the targets, and the public. Therefore, it needs to be regulated," Gen Pradopo explained.

The US embassy in Jakarta posted on its official website a security advisory for US citizens, informing about the temporarily closure of US missions in Indonesia on Friday (September 21).

"The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, the American Presence Post in Medan, the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali, and the U.S. Mission to ASEAN will be closed tomorrow, on Friday, September 21, because of the possibility of strong protests that might be held in front of these buildings," it said.

Earlier, on Monday, hundreds of members of many Muslim organizations staged demonstrations in front of the US embassy in Jakarta to protest the production and release of "Innocence of Muslims", a film that was deemed insulting to the Prophet Muhammad.

The protest turned violent when a number of demonstrators started throwing stones at the US embassy building, which was tightly guarded by police officers. In response, the police released tear gas and fired water cannons.

After demonstrating for nearly three hours, the protestors finally dispersed peacefully. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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