"Jakarta is a priority among the 13 other cities in Indonesia, because important institutions such the state palace and foreign embassies are located in this city," the Head of Security Maintenance Department of the National Police, Commissioner Gen
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The National Police Headquarters will give top priority to the capital city of Jakarta in its efforts to ensure security across the country during Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Head of Security Maintenance Department of the National Police, Commissioner General Imam Sujarwo, said.

"Jakarta is a priority among the 13 other cities in Indonesia, because important institutions such the state palace and foreign embassies are located in this city," he said in front of a security operation team at the National Monument park in Jakarta on Friday.

Sujarwo stated that the Metro Jaya Jakarta Police Department would deploy 5,992 personnel to step security in and around the capital region during Christmas and New Year`s Eve.

"Our personnel will be deployed at religious sites, tourism spots and several other areas that are expected to be crowded on New Year`s Eve," he said.

The security operation will be in effect for 10 days, starting December 23 through January 1, 2013, across the nation.

Sujarwo also mentioned about the "Car Free Night" event, scheduled to be held at Sudirman, Thamrin and West Medan Merdeka streets on December 31.

Meanwhile, the Head of Transportation Agency of the Jakarta Capital Region, Udar Pristono, said his department would deploy 600 personnel to support the police in traffic management during Christmas and New Year`s Eve.

"We will send 300 personnel to help the police manage the traffic on `Car Free Night`, while 300 more will be deployed to beef up security in and around Jakarta during New Year`s Eve," he stated.

Pristono noted that the "Car Free Night" on December 31 would be similar to the regular "Car Free Day" organised every weekend by Jakarta authorities.

"The only difference is the timing of event. On the night of December 31, motor vehicles will be banned on the streets of Sudirman, Thamrin and West Medan Merdeka from 9 pm until 2 am," he said. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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